COLEMAN - A SPRINTING COLT OF THE FUTURE

A racing fairytale almost came true for us this Autumn, with gun 2yo colt Coleman (Pierata x Sboog) running the race of his life, finishing a close second placing in the Gr1 Golden Slipper, ridden by Kerrin McAvoy. It was a breathtaking moment when he hit the lead at the 100m mark and looked the winner as he flashed down the middle of the track; alas the Gai Waterhouse trained Lady Of Camelot found clear running in time to just nose him out of winning the richest 2yo race in the world.

This incredible run followed an impressive third placing just a week earlier in the Gr3 Pago Pago Stakes; a run full of merit that ensured he took part in the Golden Slipper. Ridden by Tyler Schiller, he was confident the colt should go on to the Slipper. "I thought he was fantastic. It (the track) felt a bit shifty around the corner, he wasn't really enjoying it, but once he balanced up in the straight he took off and I thought he enjoyed it in the straight. You wouldn't be disappointed taking him to a Slipper, he'd be a good hope."

Despite the strong lead-in performance to the Slipper, he was considered an outside chance at 40/1. Coleman then produced an exceptional run, flying home down the middle of the track, having settled mid field.

Following Coleman's superb run in the Golden Slipper, Kerrin McAvoy also sang the praises of the Pierata colt, saying that the horse was brave. "I thought I was the winner at the 300m, he gave a nice kick and Blake (rider of the winner) just got the splits."

Matt was thrilled by his colt's performance. "The horse was awesome. He's had a bit of a checkered prep, so to see him bounce back and produce that run was very satisfying. He's obviously high class."

After such a brilliant finish over the 6 furlongs, Coleman appeared ready to take on the 7 furlongs of the Gr1 Inglis Sires and he certainly did not disappoint, finishing 3rd having come from last.

Ridden by Damian Lane, he had to buffer his way into the clear on the turn and again put in a huge effort in the straight to chalk up another Group 1 placing.

Although he wasn't first past the post in Sydney, we were incredibly thrilled with the way this promising colt performed; a touch more luck and it may have been the ultimate result.

Coleman is now having a well earned break before his 3yo spring campaign commences. Such exciting times ahead!

Watch Coleman's Group 1 placings in the Golden Slipper & Inglis Sires below.