Exosphere Excites In Preparation For Melbourne Return

It took less than a minute for Godolphin's Exosphere to rekindle the memory of his spring superiority with a powerful gallop at Warwick Farm racecourse in Sydney on Monday, 25th January.

In his first public appearance since finishing fourth in the G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington in October, Exosphere easily had the measure of some talented rivals in a trial.

Trainer John O'Shea said the colt, a five-time winner and a proven G1 performer, was ready to return to Flemington for the G1 Lightning Stakes on 20th February.

Under restraint throughout from regular rider James McDonald, the Lonhro colt eased past the dual G1 winner Pride Of Dubai who was ridden along to stay near him.

Exosphere went to the line under a grip to finish second, but could have won by many lengths had McDonald given him rein.

"It's what I expected from a horse of his quality," O'Shea said.

"We all know that it wasn't his fault that he got beaten at Flemington in the spring.

"It was an aberration; he just couldn't handle the track conditions.

"We'll take him back for the G1 Lightning Stakes and see how he goes down the Flemington straight again and then make up our minds what to do next."

O'Shea's options include the G1 Newmarket Handicap, also at Flemington, or a return to Sydney for the G1 TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick, the scene of his stunning G2 Roman Consul Stakes victory of last spring.

"It's a matter of assessing what suits him best, how he handles the Flemington straight and how he races," he said.

"For now, I'm very happy with where he is, with his condition and his appearance.

"He's a high quality, very exciting colt."

Exosphere was one of 17 members of the O'Shea team to trial at Warwick Farm, and one of several to impress the trainer.

Another was the two-year-old filly Sisken, a Medaglia D'Oro filly, who displayed a burst of brilliant acceleration to win her trial in what was her first public appearance.

"I thought she was very good," O'Shea said.

"She's probably not forward enough for the big two-year-old races but there will be something for her during the autumn carnival."

The un-raced two-year-old colt Cliveden also displayed good promise when finishing second in his trial and will be taken along quietly.

"He had a good blow afterwards. I'd say he's still six months away but we might find a race for him in the next few weeks just to give him some experience."

Some of the best performances came late in the day with the maiden three-year-old filly Igrain, un-raced three-year-olds colts Panegyria and Chetwood all showing good ability.

More trials are scheduled for Friday at which the O'Shea team will include the stakes-grade horses Hartnell and Bow Creek and the G1 ATC Oaks prospect Ambience.