After his shock defeat last month, trainer Emma Stewart is keeping her options open with Group 1-winning trotter Cover Of Darkness, who qualified for standing start races with an impressive trial at Tabcorp Park Melton on Tuesday.
Although he was beaten by David Miles’ Enchanted Stride, it was an eye-catching display from the son of Majestic Son, who made up good ground from his 30m backmark and overcame severe interference from a galloping rival at the home turn.
The field clocked a last half mile of 58.29sec, with Cover Of Darkness beaten just a head.
Allan McDonough drove the four-year-old in the trial and said it was a good display by the horse, who has battled a “slight foot issue” in recent times.
“He was really good – he trotted away well and trotted good throughout,” he told thetrots.com.au.
McDonough, who works with Tonkin Stewart Racing, believed the 2020 Breeders Crown Series 3YO Colts and Geldings champion would possibly trial again at Ballarat next week.
He said the team was concentrating on the standing starts with some country cup features around the corner.
“It gives him more options and (Tuesday) was a good sign going forward with stepping and qualifying at his first attempt,” McDonough said.
“With the new facility under way, the treadmill and water walker, it seems to have helped his gait and feet issues.”
Given the major upgrades at the Cardigan property, McDonough is expecting big things in the coming months from stable stars with soundness issues.
“… all horses seem to be really loving and adapting to the added relief from everyday trackwork,” he said.
“Hopefully new owners are wanting to join and rejuvenate their horses and become part of Tonkin Stewart Racing.”
Cover Of Darkness has been beaten just twice in his 11-start career. The first of those was in the 2020 Vicbred Super Series 3YO Colts and Geldings Final and the latest was when run down by Sleepee in last month’s Noopy Kiosk Trotters Free For All.
