The Peter Snowden trained Helmet wins the first trial under lights at Cranbourne on Tuesday night. Last year’s Caulfield Guineas winner is being set for a trip to Dubai on World Cup night. 76935Picture: Donna Oates
By David Nagel
RACING enthusiasts around the region are licking their lips in anticipation after getting their first official taste of racing under lights at Cranbourne on Tuesday night.
Official trials were held under the bright lights for the first time ever and some of the biggest stars in racing took centre stage.
A cavalcade of thoroughbreds, trainers and jockeys were on hand as the excitement builds for the opening night of racing on Friday 9 March.
Leading Cranbourne trainer Greg Eurell was there on the night and he was effusive in his praise of the whole night-racing set up at his home track.
“It was good, there was a great atmosphere and whoever organised the lights has got it absolutely spot on,” Eurell said.
“The lighting was sensational, well positioned and they really hone in on the track, there was no flooding into other areas at all.
“It was almost like there was a spotlight on the horses.
“Full credit to everyone involved.”
The opening night at Cranbourne is smack bang in the middle of the 2012 Melbourne Festival of Racing which was launched on the same day as Tuesday’s trials.
The $1 million Lexus Newmarket Handicap (1200m) and the $1 million Dubai Australian Cup (2000m) follow the next day at Flemington on Super Saturday.
Two horses that trialled at Cranbourne and will attract plenty of the spot light throughout the carnival are last year’s Caulfield Guineas winner Helmet and the Eurell trained, reigning Cox Plate champion, Pinker Pinker.
The Peter Snowden trained Helmet is being set for a feature on Dubai World Cup night and was impressive winning the first trial of the night, running the 1000 metre journey basically untouched by jockey Kerrin McEvoy, in 59.45 seconds.
After winning last year’s Caulfield Guineas Helmet was sent out a $2.80 favourite in the Cox Plate but after leading nearing the turn was over-run by seven other horses.
The horse that went on to win the race was Pinker Pinker.
The four-year-old mare will have her first run this preparation in the $500,000 Group One Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on 25 February.
Despite running third in her trial Eurell was more than happy with the hit-out.
“It was more for exercise and fitness and we achieved that,” Eurell said.
“She relaxed early and Craig Williams was really happy with her.
“We’ve still got two and a half weeks until her first run so it was a perfect hit-out.”
Eurell will give the Cox Plate champ a four or five run preparation through the autumn which will finish in late April.
The mare will have May off before returning to work in early June and embark on a similar preparation that led to last year’s weight-for-age triumph.
