Regally bred colt set to shine at Bathurst

Thursday 1 November 2012, 11:24am

The highly promising Great Choice has undergone a dressage course to help curb the impeccably bred colt's waywardness.

The Brett Thompson-trained Great Choice, who created a big impression winning his only start at Dubbo, steps out in the Burkes Building Supplies Benchmark 50 Hcp (1200m) at Bathurst on Friday.

By super stallion Redoute's Choice out of 2004 VRC Oaks winner Hollow Bullet, Great Choice was barred and ordered by stewards to trial after winning at Dubbo on September 16.

However, the colt failed to pass another barrier trial test when third over 1000m at Orange on September 21.

Enter Thompson's son Ben.

"Ben re-schooled him, took him on a dressage course, figure eights etc," Thompson said.

"His problem was he was jumping on his wrong leg, his Melbourne leg, and wasn't able to change it in running.

"He didn't know how to run properly.

"Now he can do a flying change. It's all worked out good."

Thompson also added pacifiers to Great Choice's gear before the colt trialled over 800m at Narromine on October 20.

Great Choice went like a rocket, winning the trial by over seven lengths.

"He did everything spot-on," Thompson said.

Thompson admits he and the colt's owners are excited about Great Choice's future.

"It's exciting and stressful," he said.

"Firstly, we're hoping all goes right on Friday. He's got to keep stepping up but with his ability and breeding he could be anything."

Great Choice was purchased by Thompson for a meagre $5500 at the Scone yearling sales.

"He had operations as a young horse and he wasn't supposed to race,' Thompson said.

"He was pigeon toed and had leg problems but since I've had him we haven't had an issue.

"We've been patient. I don't work him hard, let him do it on raceday.

"I think the further he eventually goes the better he'll be. He's a great winded horse.

"He's going real good, looks nice. I couldn't be happier."

– AAP

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