El Castello's Tramway Stakes bid begins with a clean slate

John Thompson expresses satisfaction in commencing El Castello's latest racing campaign with a fresh perspective, maintaining a quiet confidence that the Group 1 victor still possesses untapped talent.

The path for the connections of the five-year-old has presented considerable challenges. He distinguished himself as a standout performer of his era by clinching the 2024 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) and securing fifth place in the subsequent Victoria Derby (2500m).

However, failing to consistently meet his early potential as a colt, he was gelded during his previous preparation, a procedure that did not immediately translate into improved performance in his solitary subsequent outing.

Now, having had the benefit of a spell in the paddock, Thompson notes that El Castello is displaying promising indications of a renewed desire to compete as a racehorse.

"He was gelded in work and for mine, it never works and didn't," Thompson said. "But being spelled, he was put out in a big paddock with three or four other horses and allowed to just be a horse and get back to nature. He's come back, and his attitude is so much better. He's just a normal horse now. His trials have been good. A couple of top jockeys have ridden him in the trials and at trackwork and all three have said he feels like he's in great shape and ready to go."

El Castello is scheduled to make his return in a formidable edition of the Tramway Stakes (1400m) at Randwick this Saturday, featuring a field where seven of the eight participants are Group 1 winners.

Thompson anticipates that the 1400-metre journey might fall short of the horse's ideal racing distance, but he is keen to observe a positive comeback performance that reflects the colt's recent showings on the training track.

"I think he needs to get to a mile, 2000 myself," he explained. "The 1400 will be too short. He's fresh and he normally runs well fresh, but I just want to see him run well and he'll improve off the back of it."

Furthermore, Thompson is anticipating a marked improvement from Screen Icon in the Furious Stakes (1200m). Her previous start saw her positioned close to the pace before weakening in the midfield pack during the Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) first-up.

He indicated that the filly will be given a more reserved ride by new jockey Nash Rawiller this weekend, affording her an opportunity to unleash a strong finish.

"I want her ridden a bit quieter," Thompson commented. "She's got a good draw for once on Saturday so she's going to get a lot better run. It should set up well for her, and we'll know where we're at."

Consider checking out leading online bookmakers for the best racing betting markets on Saturday's action.