A tilt at the Group One JJ Atkins Stakes in Brisbane will be considered after two-year-old Acrophobic made a winning start to his career at Warwick Farm.
Acrophobic stepped out in Wednesday’s Exceedance @ Vinery Handicap (1400m) for two-year-olds and trainer John O’Shea felt there was plenty to like about the way the colt was able to get the job done by a half length under jockey James McDonald.
“It was a really good effort because they never dawdled and he was off the bridle a little bit out and you could see how lost he was but he’s got a great propensity to want to be a good horse,” O’Shea told Sky Thoroughbred Central.
“And I think sometimes the first race start can define a horse and we were really happy with his effort.”
By Dissident out of Sense Of Hite, Acrophobic was a $180,000 yearling buy and he is nominated for next month’s Group One JJ Atkins (1400m) for two-year-olds in Queensland.
“We’ll get him home and see how he pulls up and see what Mac (McDonald) has got to say,” O’Shea said.
“As always we value his opinion and we’ll give some consideration to what we do with him.
“He’s in at Queensland and whether he’s ready for that, we’ll make a decision after the next week or so.”
Acrophobic had his first official barrier trial in February but O’Shea said he felt the colt would benefit from waiting for later in the season to launch his career.
McDonald said Acrophobic was still learning his craft and got lost when he hit the front inside the final 200m.
“He’s a nice horse going forward,” McDonald said.
“He’ll reach good heights.”
