Trainer Jason Coyle is hoping for a sentimental final victory with stable stalwart Chateaux Park when the nine-year-old gelding races at Newcastle. Chateaux Park, whose last win came in August 2023 at Warwick Farm, has been a consistent performer, finishing in the top five in 17 of his 34 starts since that victory.
In his current preparation, Chateaux Park ran third behind Affermato at Hawkesbury last month and was fifth to Oceanfront in a Benchmark 72 at Newcastle two weeks ago. Coyle believes the gelding is building towards one more win before retirement. 'If there is a little bit of juice in the track and he can get the right run in transit, this race looks a nice set up for him,' Coyle said.
Chateaux Park will contest the ACG Benchmark 64 Handicap (1900m) from barrier five in a small field. Coyle noted that the horse's racing pattern sometimes works against him, but when everything falls into place, he is always a chance. 'He will be closing off well and I think he can find himself somewhere in the finish,' he added.
At the other end of the career spectrum, Terra Lumina makes his debut in the Newcastle Car And Truck Super Maiden Plate (900m). The first-season son of Earthlight has shown ability in trials, finishing second in his first heat but sixth in his second. Coyle said the horse needs to learn his trade mentally and that it is time to take the next step at the races.
Coyle also saddles up President at Randwick in the TAB Handicap (1300m). Purchased for $17,000 in April, President has improved with each run for his new stable, culminating in a win at Hawkesbury last start. Coyle said the horse can run a nice race from the draw with a drop in weight.
