Last out, first home. Wind And The Lion looked ultra impressive in a trial win at Belmont today (Monday).
On a morning when a host of Ascot carnival potentials were stepping out for their first official hit outs, Wind And The Lion stood out strongly with a speedy display.
Trained by father and son combination, Sean and Jake Casey, Wind And The Lion took part in a 400 heat and was in a league of his own as he blitzed rivals by 2 ¼ lengths.
With Bonnie Palise in the saddle, Wind And The Lion stood flat-footed when the gates opened, but with his speed and dash he had the field covered pretty quickly and easily.
Following his win on debut at Belmont in July, his only start, the three-year-old son of Written By looks well placed to be in contention for Ascot carnival events.
“Very happy how he came back and obviously just over the 400m today was to get him out and have a look,” Jake Casey told Racing WA.
“We were very happy with what we’ve seen and once he got out and running it was very impressive.
“He’ll trial again over 1000m and not sure where we are going to start him first.
“Ultimately, we would like to get him to the Placid Ark, his main aim this preparation if he holds up and all going well.
“He’s a handful and keeps us honest but is definitely worth the effort.
“I think he’s still very raw and he’s probably going into those races not as exposed as some of the other three-year-old’s, but I’m sort of banking on his ability to get him there and be very competitive.”
Unbeaten mare Twain’s Angel kept the Casey’s in a happy mood after cruising to an easy win in heat six.
The Toronado mare, who has not tasted defeat in six career starts, finished powerfully without being fully tested by jockey, Madi Derrick.
“She is just so competitive,” Casey said.
“She showed she is a classy mare and hopefully going on to the carnival we can pick out a race for her that she can be more than competitive in.
“She’s going to have to go to open company, which is a big step, take that jump, but she’s come back showing she can do that.
“I think there is improvement, in her coat, she’s not quite there, so hopefully she’ll trial again in a fortnight and that will be bring her right on for where we want to aim her at.”
The Placid Ark, run over 1200m, is set for Ascot on November 16.
