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| Sumita Pawar |
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Espionage, the talented colt from Tulloch Lodge, is poised to make his first public appearance since the spring. While Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott have a promising contender in the unbeaten colt Storm Boy, Bott acknowledges that their Breeders' Plate winner Espionage may have fallen under the radar.
After leading home a stable trifecta in the early-season feature, the son of Zoustar was put away. However, he is now back in the fold and is being readied for a Slipper tilt. Espionage will take the first step on that path by participating in an 850-meter barrier trial at Randwick on Monday. His likely kick-off point is the Gr.2 Silver Slipper at Rosehill on 24th February.
“He has been (forgotten),” Bott said.
“He trials Monday. He will be on the traditional Slipper path – the Silver Slipper, Todman (Stakes), Golden Slipper and he will have a chance to put his hand up.”
Espionage will be joined by three stablemates in the barrier trial at Randwick on Monday. Among them is Prost, who finished third behind Espionage in the Breeders' Plate. Also participating will be Trunk, a placegetter in the Geelong Diamond in his only start so far, and Shangri La Express, an undefeated youngster who was spelled after taking out the Golden Gift in November.
According to trainer Gai Waterhouse's racing manager, Shangri La Express is also being prepared for the Golden Slipper, and has been identified as a potential candidate for Sydney's juvenile Triple Crown. Just like Storm Boy, he is being aimed at the Slipper, Sires' Produce, and Champagne Stakes.
“He trials Monday then he’s likely to follow a similar path to Espionage – the Silver Slipper, Todman, Golden Slipper,” Bott said.
“And he could also train on through the triple crown.”