Journalists Wandering Eyes Posted 4 hours ago Journalists Share Posted 4 hours ago Liam Howley might have resisted the temptation in spring to take on the challenge of the Victoria Derby with Opening Address (NZ) (So You Think), but the trainer feels no hesitation to go down that path should his campaign fall that way this autumn. Instead, Howley opted to bank a Stakes win with the Vase runner-up in spring, winning the Listed TAB Trophy (1800m) on Melbourne Cup Day. In 2022, he also had the Vase runner-up in Virtuous Circle, who was highly thought of by many, but also didn’t contest the Victoria Derby before also finishing second in the ATC Derby later that season. “He is strong enough now,” Howley said of the son of So You Think taking a similar path. “I felt he wasn’t quite there mentally in the spring for a Derby – if he stays, he is probably physically and mentally capable of going down that path now.” Opening Address will start his autumn campaign with Ethan Brown aboard in Saturday’s G3 C.S. Hayes Stakes (1400m). A recent trial at Geelong behind Here To Shock (NZ) (Shocking) has the Macedon Lodge-based trainer confident he can take the next step this campaign. “I am very happy with him,” Howley professed. “He hasn’t grown any, but he is a lot stronger and more mature. “I think 1400 metres is going to be too short for him, but he went very well at Flemington and if he’s a Guineas horse, so be it, otherwise we will shift focus.” Part-owned and bred by Windsor Park Stud, the $160,000 yearling purchase is also being considered as a potential starter in The Kiwi, a NZ$3.5 million slot race restricted to New Zealand-bred three-year-olds over 1500m in March at Ellerslie. Opening Address is a $13 chance with Sportsbet for the C.S. Hayes Stakes. View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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