A trip to Adelaide in search of an elusive Group 1 victory is on the cards for Clinton McDonald’s recent acquisition, Coleman.
The four-year-old entire stepped out at the Cranbourne jumpouts on Monday morning and came home nicely under his own steam to finish just behind Group 1 winner Mornington Glory.
McDonald is the third trainer Coleman has had in his career, having started off with Matt Laurie before he was then transferred to Chris Waller.
“He was very good this morning,” McDonald said.
“That was his first trial back. He ran on Oaks Day, I thought he ran well but we’re still learning about the horse, so we gave him a really good spell. He’s come back in great order, and everyone saw the trial this morning, I thought he trialled terrific against a really well known trialler in Mornington Glory, so he was smoking up on the outside of him.
“We’re looking at getting him ready for The Goodwood. If we can get a Goodwood under his name, he’s obviously a horse that just got beaten in a Slipper, that’s going to hold him in good stead.
“He’s a beautiful stallion now, he’s got a great temperament and we’re just looking for that Group 1 win with him.”
The Goodwood is due to take place at Morphettville on May 9.