Curtain raises on the 2YO season with the official trials at Randwick

It was great to see the new season 2YO's step out on Monday for the official 2YO trials held on the course proper at Randwick.

There is always a real buzz at these set of trials with many owners and trainers nervously waiting to see their new charges hit the track for the first time.

Darby Racing unleashed 2 precocious babies both trained by the first lady of racing - Gai Waterhouse

Heat 6 saw our impeccably bred chestnut filly 'Mystic Empire' step out partnered by Tommy Berry. Mystic Empire by Champion racehorse 'All Too Hard' is out of the General Nediym mare 'Empress Wu', a half sister to Group 1 winner 'Royal Descent'.

Mystic Empire jumped from the barriers and mustered good speed between runners to take up the running for jockey Tommy Berry. She traveled along well in front, came into the straight and quickened along the inside without being put under a lot of pressure, just being headed in the last 50m to finish third, beaten three-quarters of a length.

Tommy said, "She showed great speed to today, relaxed nicely, railed well and cruised up to them before just tiring over the final 100m. She did everything right and pulled up having a good blow so she will improve from the hit-out."

Gai said, "I think Tommy said it all, Mystic Empire is a talented young filly, she was very professional this morning. I loved the speed she showed, the way she traveled and got into a rhythm and she is only going to improve from the experience, both physically in terms of her fitness, and mentally in her education. She has pulled up well, I'll let the dust settle and monitor her closely over the next few days before deciding whether I think she is ready to head to the races in the Listed Gimcrack Stakes over 1000m at Randwick on the 1st of October".

Heat 10 saw the 2nd of our 2YO babies, a smashing colt by champion racehorse Pierro named NOVIERO. This exciting colt is out of a half sister to Golden Slipper placed and multiple stakes winner Elite Falls.

Noviero jumped away from the barriers and mustered speed along the inside to lead up the field for jockey Tommy Berry. He galloped along in front to the turn where he came out wide before being asked to quicken on straightening. He worked home solidly to finish third, beaten just over two and a half lengths.

Tommy said, "I've ridden this colt in his track work and he has ability so today's performance was quite out of the ordinary. He was on the wrong leg throughout the trial and he hung out on the turn so with everything considered it was a solid effort. I still think he is a very nice colt so hopefully he goes the right way."

Gai said, "I asked my veterinarian, Dr Leanne Begg, to have a very good look at Noviero because that is not the colt that Adrian, Tommy and me know so very well. Interestingly has has not pulled up shin sore so he has got me scratching my head a little. Let me monitor him over the coming days, maybe it is a trial we can just strike a line through, or maybe he has come to the end of his preparation. I will be in touch before the weekend with an update on the colt and where we head next.

Noviero despite doing plenty wrong still managed to finish a close up third indicating he has well above average ability and will more than likely head back to the trials to ensure he does everything right before racing.