Tasmanian trainer errs on side of caution with unbeaten 2YO

Tasmanian two-year-old Aristopolos has likely run his last race of the season, sent to the spelling paddock amid speculation of seven-figure offers with a perfect six wins from six starts.

The St Mark’s Basilica x Flying Krupt colt has dominated Tasmania’s two-year-old ranks this season, most recently winning the $45,000 Alfa Bowl (1200m) by eight lengths in Launceston on April 17.

Trainer John Blacker had earmarked the Alexandra Plate (1200m) and Sires Produce (1400m), each worth $45,000 in Hobart in July, for Aristopolos. However, after winning his maiden in December, Blacker is content that his horse may have done enough for his 2yo season.

“He’s in the paddock having a break. To come back and essentially have three mini preps as a two-year-old might be a bit hard on him,” Blacker said.

“We’ve got a couple of other two-year-olds that are going OK at the moment that could measure up to races like the Alexandra Plate and Sires.”

Aristopolos heads to the paddock with $358,330 in prize money, and Listed wins in the Elwick Stakes and Gold Sovereign. He was a $60,000 purchase at the 2025 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale and has barely been fully tested during his unbeaten streak.

Rumours have swirled about Aristopolos’s future, including mainland interest among various interstate options as a three-year-old. At least for now, Blacker is intent on keeping the colt in his stable and targeting races in his home state.

“I’m tipping that we will probably give him a good break now and bring him back in the middle of August and get him ready for the 3YO Cup and assess him after that,” Blacker said. – Tasracing.