Right You Are has kicked off his Caulfield Cup program with a jump-out at Cranbourne with the effort surprising one of his co-trainers.
The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained galloper is assured of a start in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) in October, courtesy of his win in the Listed Mornington Cup (2400m) in April.
“That was his first jump-out this morning and he looked excellent,” Eustace said.
“He was held onto this morning and everything went to plan.
“It did surprise us a little how sharp he was, especially with no headgear.
“It was pleasing.”
Eustace said Right You Are was likely to trial again at Cranbourne on August 7 before a potential first-up run in the Group 2 P B Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 19.
“He might kick-off in the P B Lawrence, but everything is working towards the Caulfield Cup,” he said.
“He won the Mornington Cup, so he’s got a free ticket into the Caulfield Cup, which takes a lot of the pressure off.
“He’ll only run in the P B Lawrence if he’s ready. He possibly doesn’t need that run over 1400 metres, but he was very sharp today.”
Being the second heat of the morning, Eustace said Right You Are had trialled in possibly the best conditions as the track deteriorated with drizzle through the day.
Irish-bred stablemate Thunder Beauty also impressed Eustace in the same jump-out as Right You Are, finishing nicely at the closing end.
Eustace said Thunder Beauty had taken time to come right, but believes she is now on the right track.
He said Thunder Beauty was likely to have a light spring as he expects the mare to go to stud.
“She’s owned by Silverdale Farm and the plan is for her to go to stud this year and we’re hoping to get a run or two into before she does,” Eustace said.
“There’s two 1400-metre Stakes races in September, one in Sydney, one here, that may be suitable for her to kick off in.”