Torio’s Quest has bucket loads of ability but her certainly didn’t live anywhere near up to his potential throughout 2011.
It all looked so positive back in January when he won the Guineas at Gold Coast Magic Millions but since then it’s been slim pickings.
In fact Torio’s Quest has had four runs since that win and recorded a best result of fourth and not managed to crack the top half of the field in his other three.
He goes into his final race for the prep this Saturday at Eagle Farm and trainer Brett Partelle is holding out hope that a good rated track can return him to somewhere near his best.
“I’m so looking forward to getting him back on a dry track, up to the mile (1600m) for the first time and with Hugh Bowman aboard,” Partelle said.
He will be contesting the Queensland Guineas against an imposing capacity field of 18.
It’s a big jump in class from his last start at Randwick and even with a better suited track he’ll need a mountain of improvement.
Torio’s Quest languished in 11th of 12 in that run and had few excuses from abrrier six.
Still, Partelle is refusing to give up on the horse and maintains he’s in good shape.
“I know he’s going as well as he was when he was winning last preparation and I’m sure he’ll indicate that with his performance on Saturday,” Partelle said.
“I’m sure he’ll show he’s right back to where he should be. I made the statement after the Gold Coast race that he’s a genuine Group horse.”
Tomorrow’s Group 2 assignment will definitely be his last run regardless of the result with Partelle to spell the horse ahead of a spring campaign in Melbourne.
Torio’s Quest is currently fourth in betting for the 2011 Queensland Guineas behind the market leader Ready To Rip.