Rebecca Bayliss can’t wait for her headline act Final Siren to make a return to the races and be a force in upcoming winter sprints after he won a barrier trial at Belmont today (Monday).
Final Siren stepped out publicly for the first time this preparation and according to Bayliss the four-year-old is a much more mature and stronger version of the horse that enjoyed a breakout campaign.
Final Siren jumped well for Lucy Fiore in his 1000m heat and travelled smoothly to sit behind the leader and after turning for home along the fence he lengthened out impressively.
Delighted with his hit out, Bayliss has locked in the Listed Beaufine Stakes for Final Siren, hoping he can maximise his top fresh record when resuming.
“I was really, really pleased with him,” Bayliss said to Racing WA.
“He came back from his break really well and I was happy with the way he spelled.
“We were nearly going to go one after the Bunbury Stakes and I galloped him after, but I thought we needed to tip him out.
“I think we made the right call because if you go that one more and it takes forever to get over it.
“This time he’s come back nicely, obviously we know he can do it, but you have to have them right, don’t you.
“The plan is to go and tackle the Beaufine Stakes and after that we’ll wait and see how he gets through it.”
From day one when he skipped away to win his debut by five lengths at Albany, Final Siren has been the flag bearer for Bayliss and her boutique stable.
In January he won his biggest race to date and answered a distance query when he claimed the Mount Barker Sprint (1300m) ahead of Listed placings.
He ran third to Snowdome in the Pinjarra Classic (1300m) and was overhauled by Triple Missile in the Bunbury Stakes (1400m), fading to second after attempting to lead throughout.
Bayliss is confident Final Siren, who has finished no further back than sixth in his 14-start career, can take the next step and reach stakes company this time in.
“I think so,” Bayliss said.
“He seems to be a little more professional now.
“He knows his job and wants to get it done.
“Even in his action he looks more coordinated.
“I think he has improved, we’re hoping he has.
“He made a nice step-up last prep.
“I know a lot will depend on barriers and what goes in it, but after today (Monday) you would think he’ll run well in the Beaufine.
“I think he’s up there.”
If Bayliss need any more validation after the trial she received it from Fiore, a key partner of Final Siren in his past three races.
“She was really happy and said he felt great,” Bayliss said.
“She said he trialled really nicely.”
Final Siren has won six races and been placed five times for prizemoney just a tick over $300,000.
He’s two from three when first up and appreciates a bit of sting out of the ground with two wins and as many placings from four attempts on soft ground.
Julio Santarelli