Trainer Sterling Alexiou and jockey Josh Parr believe City Gold Banner can progress through the grades this preparation when he contests the Kembla Grange Autumn Racing Carnival Benchmark 64 (1500m) on Wednesday.
The three-year-old son of Starspangledbanner couldn’t have been more impressive on debut, coming from the tail of the field over 1400 metres at Warwick Farm, with trainer Sterling Alexiou suggesting class got him over the line on a rain affected surface he didn’t love.
“He is a big strong colt, and as a rule, just in his stature I imagine he will be a lot better on top of the ground, he probably just got away with that race the other day on class alone,” Alexiou said.
“Obviously, it is hard to go from a maiden to a Benchmark 64, albeit he is dropping back to the provincials, but he takes on some seasoned gallopers so it will be a good test for him.
“We think he is a progressive galloper, so if he can get things run to suit and build his momentum at the right time I’m sure he will be right in the finish.”
What impressed race day rider Josh Parr the most on debut was City Gold Banner’s ability to show versatility with his position in run, a contrast from what was seen in his early barrier trials when settling near the speed.
“His debut performance was really good in the sense we expected him to show barrier speed, and bowl along on the speed.
“He had to be versatile on that occasion and he did that really well, coming from the back of the field on wet ground and he was really good. I expect another forward showing from him,” Parr said.
Based on his debut win, Parr said he can ride the colt with an open book from a tricky gate and has confidence the horse is heading in the right direction in his first preparation.