Rachel King says she is still unsure just how much upside exciting Godolphin three-year-old Green Spaces possesses after his explosive victory in the Group 3 Spring Stakes at Newcastle.
Having only his sixth career start, the colt was supported at $4 and produced a powerful late surge, sprinting clear to score by three lengths over Bird Whistle ($51), with Long Legs ($6) sticking on strongly for third.
Now trained by Bjorn Baker — who also guided Pericles to a win in the Tramway Stakes and a runner-up finish in the Group 1 Champions Mile this spring — Green Spaces will head to the paddock before an autumn campaign. King believes the colt has untapped potential.
“He’s a lovely horse. He’s got that great, natural ability, he’s got a fantastic attitude, and he’s still learning,” King said.
“He hit the front and still had a wander today. I felt like, if something had come to him, he had plenty more there. I like a lot about him.
“He is becoming more professional every time he steps out so if he keeps going on the upwards trajectory that he is, I don’t know where he will end up.”
Green Spaces began his career under James Cummings, scoring at Geelong in April, before joining Baker’s stable when Godolphin shifted to a public training model ahead of the new season.
Since then, he has put together consecutive wins at Wyong and in Saturday’s Spring Stakes (1600m). Baker’s racing manager, Luke Hilton, said the colt has thrived on confidence following his latest performance.
“He struts out at home like he owns the joint,” Hilton said.
“I think he’s going to get a trip and I think there are better things for him in the autumn.”
Hilton confirmed Green Spaces will now enjoy a spell before being aimed at several key three-year-old events during the Sydney autumn carnival.
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