G3 Metric Mile contender Cheval de Foudre on trial for sterner challenge

Ultra-consistent performer Cheval de Foudre will be given opportunities to put himself in line for a crack at a major spring feature.

The Group 1 Livamol Classic (2040m) remains in the mix for the son of Time Test who will firstly have the chance to press his claims when he steps out in the Group 3 Hunterville Vet Club Metric Mile (1600m) at Trentham on Saturday.

Cheval de Foudre has placed in each of his last six appearances and despite not having raced since July, trainer Mark Oulaghan is confident the seven-year-old is forward enough to give a strong account of himself.

Oulaghan was pleased with the gelding’s performance on Tuesday when he finished second in an open 1200m heat at the Foxton trials where stablemate Pinkerton was also in action ahead of Friday’s J Swap Great New Zealand Hurdles (4200m).

“There is one or two better horses there on Saturday than he has been racing against so whether he can hold them out remains to be seen, but I think he’s ready,” he said.

While Oulaghan acknowledged the Livamol is a tall order, two factors may potentially fall in Cheval de Foudre’s favour.

“He’s nominated and will improve a bit after Trentham and then he’ll run in a 2000m race, either the open at Hastings or the Egmont Cup, and analyse it from there,” Oulaghan said.

“Sometimes, the Livamol doesn’t end up as strong as you think and if he’s in good form at the time and it looks like a softish track, then we would look at it.” – NZ Racing Desk