Volkstok'n'barrell
Trish Dunell
Co-trainer Donna Logan said three-time Group One winner Volkstok'n'barrell has grown into a more furnished horse since his last trip to Australia, as he prepares to cross the ditch again.
The four-year-old Tavistock gelding has strung together back-to-back Group One wins in New Zealand, ahead of a bid to claim the $3 million Doncaster Mile at Randwick on Saturday.
Volkstok'n'barrell didn't have winning luck during the Melbourne spring, finishing within two lengths of the winner in each of the Memsie Stakes and Turnbull Stakes, before finishing 12th in the Caulfield Cup.
Logan said they discovered Volkstok'n'barrell was an asthmatic following the campaign, and his recent results have shown he has bounced back in fine order.
"He's 100 per cent again now. He's a far stronger horse," Logan said.
"Looking at photos of him leaving to go to Melbourne, we thought 'Gee, he looks good, he's strengthened up'.
"But when you see him now, it's a hell of a difference, he's furnished right up."
Logan, who trains in partnership with Chris Gibbs, said having Volkstok'n'barrell boxed in Melbourne contributed to his asthma problem.
And while his flight to Sydney was pushed back - he is scheduled to now arrive on Thursday - Logan said the horse's temperament meant that was no setback.
Logan added Volkstok'n'barrell's fitness from winning the New Zealand Stakes (2000m) last start was ideal for a Doncaster bid.
"I think it's run more like a 2000m race," she said.
"Having had 2000m under his belt will be to his benefit."
Volkstok'n'barrell enjoyed a fruitful autumn campaign in Sydney last year, winning the Rosehill Guineas and placing in the ATC Derby.
Logan said she can't wait for Saturday week's $1m Australian Oaks (2400m), after Valley Girl's runner-up finish in the Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m).
"She's improved [since the Vinery Stud]. There was improvement in her, and she's taken that next step up," Logan added.
"She's looking great, she hasn't missed an oat and has settled into Sydney like she's been here 100 times.
"I'm very keen to see the Oaks roll around."
The four-year-old Tavistock gelding has strung together back-to-back Group One wins in New Zealand, ahead of a bid to claim the $3 million Doncaster Mile at Randwick on Saturday.
Volkstok'n'barrell didn't have winning luck during the Melbourne spring, finishing within two lengths of the winner in each of the Memsie Stakes and Turnbull Stakes, before finishing 12th in the Caulfield Cup.
Logan said they discovered Volkstok'n'barrell was an asthmatic following the campaign, and his recent results have shown he has bounced back in fine order.
"He's 100 per cent again now. He's a far stronger horse," Logan said.
"Looking at photos of him leaving to go to Melbourne, we thought 'Gee, he looks good, he's strengthened up'.
"But when you see him now, it's a hell of a difference, he's furnished right up."
Logan, who trains in partnership with Chris Gibbs, said having Volkstok'n'barrell boxed in Melbourne contributed to his asthma problem.
And while his flight to Sydney was pushed back - he is scheduled to now arrive on Thursday - Logan said the horse's temperament meant that was no setback.
Logan added Volkstok'n'barrell's fitness from winning the New Zealand Stakes (2000m) last start was ideal for a Doncaster bid.
"I think it's run more like a 2000m race," she said.
"Having had 2000m under his belt will be to his benefit."
Volkstok'n'barrell enjoyed a fruitful autumn campaign in Sydney last year, winning the Rosehill Guineas and placing in the ATC Derby.
Logan said she can't wait for Saturday week's $1m Australian Oaks (2400m), after Valley Girl's runner-up finish in the Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m).
"She's improved [since the Vinery Stud]. There was improvement in her, and she's taken that next step up," Logan added.
"She's looking great, she hasn't missed an oat and has settled into Sydney like she's been here 100 times.
"I'm very keen to see the Oaks roll around."