Reece Goodwin welcomes Coastwatch to his stable

Reece Goodwin, now in his fifth training season, persists in browsing internet sales for inexpensive acquisitions.

Among his newest additions stands stakes victor Coastwatch, set to contest the Group 3 Victoria Handicap (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday for his debut with Goodwin.

The gelding launched his career with Chris Waller, then shifted to Richard and Will Freedman—the father-and-son team—staying there until offered for sale after a poor showing at Canberra in November.

In 2025, Coastwatch claimed a Listed race success at Sandown, but over his next eight outings, he managed no placings.

Goodwin indicated that Coastwatch suits his yard well after taking him on.

"It's what we have been doing for a number of years now," Goodwin said.

"He's a horse that has shown plenty of ability previously and tapered off in form for whatever reason, and sometimes we can get them going again, and sometimes we don't.

"The older they are and the higher rated they are, the tougher it is to get them going, but it wasn't too long ago that he was running OK and everything is price relative as well.

"If he had brought $40,000 or $50,000, we wouldn't have him, but he only made $20,000 which we thought was a price worth risking on a horse that is going to be running in a race like Saturday, a $200,000 race, even though it's probably a bit more competitive, or stronger, than I anticipated."

Even with promising trials, including a recent third at Pakenham to Doncaster Mile hope Sheza Alibi, Goodwin tempers expectations for instant wins from Coastwatch.

According to Goodwin, the awkward draw on Saturday poses a challenge for Coastwatch, but a strong finish would satisfy the trainer.

"We'll probably ride him quiet, but it would be good to see him getting through the line late and then we'll look to step him up to 1600 (metres) second up and see him a bit more competitive then," Goodwin said.

"We won't be searching for anything interstate. We'll keep him at home and try and pick off a race or two and we basically only have to win one of these races to be well in front.

"He does handle some sting out of the ground and being an older horse with some wear and tear, he certainly wouldn't suit summer.

"We're just looking for a good kick-off on Saturday and building our way from there."

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