Endless Drama pips Winx in barrier trial

The great Australian filly Winx was in action in a barrier trial at Rosehill Garden, Sydney, earlier today.

Also taking part in the nine-strong event over 900m was the Qatar Blodstock pair of Endless Drama and Arod, ridden by Tye Angland and Blake Shinn respectively. There was nothing at stake except the opportunity for a good work-out, but Endless Drama pleased trainer Chris Waller by crossing the line full of running, several lengths behind the quick-starting Music Magnate, but inches in front of Winx. Sheikh Fahad, who attended last week's Gold Coast Yearling Sale, was present for the trial.

Neither horse was pushed out, and nor was fourth-placed Arod - the Qatar Bloodstock pair were sent to Waller near the end of the European turf season after showing top-class form, with Arod having won at Group Two level and finishing placed in Group One company, while Endless Drama was runner-up in the 2015 Gr.1 Irish 2000 Guineas and third in last year's Gr.1 Lockinge Stakes.

Following the trial, Waller said of the two Qatar Bloodstock horses: "They were both good and I was very impressed with the way Endless Drama stretched out and hit the line. It was a pleasure to have Sheikh Fahad here this morning to see the work and to get a better understanding of why we trial horses. Arod is a colt and a speed horse who gets a little worked up on race day, so it is good to simulate race day without the same pressure, and I think it will do them both a lot of benefit.

"Arod will race in the Orr Stakes at Caulfield in the second week of February, while Endless Drama should be in action around the same time, but in Sydney, as we prepare him for a Group One event at Randwick over 2,000m.

"It's still too early to say they have made the transition [from European racing] but they are following the right path to fit into our racing. It is a challenge - people underestimate the acclimatisation process and how long it takes. I believe it takes 14 months, and during that time you get high points and low points when you see their coats change. For example we are in the middle of summer now, but you may see a small winter coat come on them for a month, and likewise in our winter in five months' time, they might get a summer coat.

"I'm pretty happy with them at this stage. Fast ground is no problem to either horse, but soft ground can become common in Sydney in the autumn - our tracks are well maintained, but they can get a little firmer in Melbourne, which will suit Arod. That is why he will go there and Endless Drama will probably stay in Sydney."

Also trialling at Rosehill Garden were two Qatar Bloodstock-owned maidens, namely three-year-old Jaunty and two-year-old Sansa, who both performed satisfactorily.

Photograph shows Endless Drama (Tye Angland) following the trial, with Rosehill Garden racecourse in the background