Gold Trail Out To Recoup Winning Form

Gold Trail

Gold Trail will attempt to put an end to his recent disappointing form in the Sir John Monash Stakes

Gold Trail will attempt to put an end to his recent disappointing form when he takes to the track for the Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield Racecourse this Saturday.

The six-year-old gelding has raced across four different countries over the past 19 months, while having a total of just six runs.

Gold Trail suffered an injury while finishing tenth last June in the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Trainer Gary Portelli said the injury forced the horse off the track for close to 12 months.

“Royal Ascot was a great experience, but it didn’t end well,” Portelli said.

“The horse tore a muscle in his hind quarter and, in the end, he was sidelined for almost a year.”

Gold Trail finished fourth in his first race back after his injury in the Listed Chief De Beers at Doomben on May 28.

“We were happy with him going into the race, but it was hard to get a real gauge on where he’s at because he had to carry 61kg and drew wide,” Portelli said.

“At least the run showed he still had his courage.”

“We set him for this (Monash Stakes) straight after the Doomben run because he’s better suited at weight-for-age now than having to carry the big weights in handicaps.”

Portelli is hopeful that this Saturday’s race could be the one that sees Gold Trail find his winning form once again.

“He’s a horse who means a lot to us,” he said.

“I’ve always underestimated him and he’s continued to make a fool of me in a good way.

“It’s been a long haul to get him back, but as long as the track isn’t too wet, he’s ready to run a really big race.”

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