Trainer Gary Portelli has been thrilled with the form displayed by Sebring Sun since his return to work this time and is confident the three-year-old is primed for a successful comeback in Saturday’s Listed Canterbury Classic (1200m) at Royal Randwick.
Sebring Sun is ready for a return in Saturday’s Canterbury Classic at Royal Randwick. Photo: Steve Hart
Sebring Sun has more than stamped himself as a colt to follow through his short but impressive racing career so far; posting two wins and a further four minors through only nine competitive appearances; undoubtedly highlighted by a strong run for third in the Group 1 Golden Rose Stakes (1400m) on September 13th.
Set for a run in the 2016 Magic Millions 3.y.o Guineas (1400m) on the Gold Coast on January 9th, Portelli is confident Saturday’s Canterbury Classic figures as an ideal first point of call for the talented son of Sebring.
“He goes to the Canterbury Stakes which fits in perfectly with the Guineas two weeks later,” Portelli told AAP.
Sebring Son won a strong barrier trial in the lead up to his competitive return and Portelli believes the performance points towards a positive result in the Canterbury Classic this weekend.
“I was happy with the trial,” he said,
“He jumped in front and Brenton (Avdulla) eased him back and he was strong again on the line.”
Trialling well in the lead-up to his competitive debut, Sebring Sun immediately stamped his claims as one to watch when running a close second to Pierrette in the TAB Betting Season Plate (1000m) in October 2014 before immediately returning to the paddock.
Returning this year for third behind Haptic and Counterattack in the TAB Place Multi Plate (1000m) on January 24th, the colt out of Soleil Royale continued to post credible results when fifth in each of the Listed Lonhro Plate (1100m) and Group 2 Skyline Stakes (1200m) in autumn.
Resuming in spring for a maiden win in a Canterbury minor over 1200m, Sebring Sun made a successful transition to black type racing when taking out the Listed Rosebud (1200m) on August 8th and placed third in the Group 3 Up And Coming Stakes (1300m) in his only other start prior to the Golden Rose.
The 2015 Canterbury Classic field and barrier draw is due to be completed and released by midday, Wednesday (December 23rd).
