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Tuesday’s Longford trials were a sure sign that the 2024/25 Ladbrokes Summer Racing Festival isn’t far away, with several big guns engaged on a busy morning.
Trainer/jockey Siggy Carr took more than 10 of her team north for the session, including recent Horse of the Year finalists Ms Tasmania (2YO) and Thespian Waters (3YO), who are nearing the race return for their respective campaigns.
With last year's star two-year-old Geegees Mistruth currently embarking on a Group 1 Thousand Guineas mission in Victoria, most pundits rate Ms Tasmania as the top three-year-old left in the state, and she did little to dispel that theory with a sharp piece of work in Longford on Tuesday.
"She showed last preparation that she's a bit better ridden off the speed, but we were happy to take the pace up today with a few first starters engaged," said Siggy Carr, who remains on the sidelines as she recovers from a collarbone/neck injury.
"We've tossed up thoughts of a potential trip to Brisbane for a Magic Millions race for her, but there is plenty of good prize money at home, so for now, her main target is the 3YO Cup (27 November).
Thespian Waters begins his four-year-old campaign carrying over four consecutive wins and was narrowly beaten in an exceptionally fast heat won by Tsunami Sam on Tuesday. The winning time of 45.13s is less than a length outside the 800m track record set on Longford Cup Day by Popilita earlier in the year.
"You always have a slight worry with these three-year-olds that they might not come back as good at four, but we're really pleased with Thespian Waters," said Carr.
"He'll head to the Goodwood first-up, and provided he runs well, it'll be on to the Newmarket."
Carr was also happy with the performances of Queenborough Flyer and Swoop There It Is, who have long-range summer targets circled on the calendar.
"It's well-known that we've had many problems with Queenborough Flyer the last couple of campaigns, but credit to the owners, they've allowed us a good break, and we're thrilled with what she did today.
"She'll head to a Benchmark 68 later in the month, and we'd love to get her to a Vamos if we can.
"Swoop There It Is was unsuited today in a hot-speed trial, but she's going well, and the Longford Cup is a goal for her."
After two meetings back, Carr has yet to open her Launceston night racing account for 24/25 but will have some strong chances on Friday across the eight-event card.
After being scratched from the program last week, Carr is expecting a forward showing from Dios in the Class 1 (1220m).
"We had to scratch Dios last week because she had a boil, but it may have ended up being a blessing in disguise.
"We're excited to see what she can do. We think she's much better than a Class 1 down here."
Later in the night, Carr will saddle up two runners in the final race and thinks they can both run well.
"Kensington Diva was a big run last week after missing the start, and I've made Troy (Baker) stick with her.
"Day Performer always runs well in the wet, so if the forecast rain arrives, it should only suit her."
