A strong jumpout win on the course proper at Flemington on Friday has Chris Waller keenly anticipating the Royal Ascot meeting with Brazen Beau.
Group I-winning three-year-olds Brazen Beau and Wandjina were in a four horse heat over 800m conducted on the outside of the straight, Craig Williams aboard Brazen Beau and Damien Oliver on Wandjina.
Brazen Beau travelled keenly and was always just in front, winning the gallop by half a length in 46.09 seconds, the last 400m in 21.09 on a good (4) surface.
Waller declared himself pleased with what he saw before seeing how Brazen Beau pulled up.
"It's hard to assess straight after a trial but it looked very good," Waller said.
"They looked like they built momentum and were strong through the line, both Brazen Beau and Wandjina."
Brazen Beau has not raced since defeating Chautauqua and Terravista in the Group I Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on March 14 and Waller said the colt has done particularly well since.
"That's exactly what we wanted to see, a few weeks away from a major race on the other side of the world," he said.
"His preparation has been very smooth and I wouldn't change anything up to date."
One thing Waller cannot control is the weather and climactic condition will decide which race Brazen Beau contests at the Royal meeting.
The son of I Am Invincible holds entries in the King's Stand and Golden Jubilee Stakes however Waller has a leaning towards which race he would prefer to run in.
"We're unlikely to choose which race until the last minute. He needs a good track so I guess the weather will determine which way we head," he said.
"If the weather is right I'd say the Golden Jubilee over 1200 (metres) would be the race.
"If he comes through Ascot then the July Cup could also be an option, but we will take it one race at a time and make sure we are 100 percent for Ascot."
Here is the footage of the jumpout. Brazen Beau begins from the stall to the left of 24. Wanjina is the outside horse.
