The Quarterback wins trial ahead of Gilgai Stakes return

Robbie Griffiths is hopeful The Quarterback can have an even better campaign than the one that gave the trainer his maiden Group One win.

The Quarterback won a 990m trial by five lengths at Cranbourne on Monday to show he was on track for his spring return in the Gilgai Stakes at Flemington on October 2.

It was The Quarterback’s second trial in preparation for his next campaign after he finished fourth over 800m behind handy sprinter General Jackson on September 9.

“Based on his trackwork and trials it looks like he’s come on,” Griffiths said.

“He’s a lightly raced horse so he could be better as horses do get stronger and more mature, so it’s highly possible he might have come on.

“If he has, it’s great for us because his performances were sensational in the autumn.”

The Quarterback ran third over 1000m at Flemington in January before running sixth in the Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield.

He came out at his next start to defeat Black Heart Bart and Chautauqua in the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington in March to give Griffiths an elusive Group One win.

Griffiths said The Quarterback’s two trials this campaign had been excellent.

“He’s normally pretty lacklustre over a half-mile but today’s trial will top him off just nicely,” Griffiths said.

“He’ll have a little hit-out next week and then he’ll be right to line up on the Sunday after the (AFL) grand final.

“He will line up at his favourite track and if he lines up in the order he was today, he’ll go well.”

 

Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au

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