Esprit Garcon Exhibiting Exciting Signs
Hunting for three straight wins and starting hot favourite showed there was a fair degree of attention placed on Esprit Garcon at Ascot today (Wednesday), but by the end of the Glenroy Chaff Handicap (1200m), his growing reputation was further enhanced.
The emerging four-year-old, a son of Bel Esprit, the same sire as Black Caviar, virtually just toyed with his opposition, scoring by three lengths in a soft win after going around in second gear for jockey Jarrad Noske.
Esprit Garcon settled midfield from barrier 13, but once Noske gave him some rein in the straight he exploded away with an impressive turn of foot to notch a winning hat trick for delighted trainer, Tiarnna Robertson.
By far his most impressive performance to date after wins at Northam, Pinjarra and Ascot midweek this afternoon, Robertson declared Esprit Garcon will now be tested at Saturday metropolitan grade next.
Robertson said adopting a patient approach with Esprit Garcon was now starting to reap dividends.
“He’s been super and we’ve obviously looked after him,” Robertson said.
“He’s taken a long time and is a big horse.
“He’s had a few niggly issues in the way of maturity on the way through.
“We just wanted to get some confidence, but I’m sure he’s ready to make the step to Saturday grade now.
“We’ve spaced his runs and will probably continue to do that, he’s a very big horse and puts in a lot of effort.
“We’ll see how he pulls up and find a race in a couple of weeks.
“All he needed to do was balance at the top of the straight and it was really good to see him let down like that.”
Robertson said for the moment while he’s getting the results she’ll restrict Esprit Garcon to 1200m and resist any thoughts of going out to 1400m.
“While he’s winning this well at 1200m there’s no need to change (1400m),” Robertson said.
“He does have a low heart rate and obviously being a big horse the more you go the more leg work you put into them.
“He’s happy and we’ve found the formula that works for him, we’ll keep him here (1200m) for now.”
Robertson said while Esprit Garcon continues to thrive she’ll plan on extending his campaign further.
“As soon as he tells us he’s had enough we’ll put him out and look after him,” Robertson said.
“But while he’s happy and sound we’ll keep ticking him over.
“The day he tell us he’s had enough we’ll put him away and I’m sure there are bigger things for him next prep.”
Noske, who has partnered Esprit Garcon in all five runs, said the gelding is exhibiting exciting traits.
“He gives you an amazing feeling in the run,” Noske said.
“He’s covering them so easy.
“It’s exciting.”
Purchased for $70,000 at Melbourne’s Inglis Premier yearling sale, Esprit Garcon has pocketed $57,690 following three wins and two placings from five starts.
Julio Santarelli