BLITZAR gave a glimpse of his potential with an outstanding trial at Wagga on Saturday (October 3).
The Chris Heywood-trained gelding finished a close-up second to Corowa star Front Page in scintillating time over 1000 metres.
Blitzar, a winner of three of his nine appearances, is being aimed at the $100,000 Class Three Highway Handicap (1200m) at Randwick on October 17.
Front Page rounded out his preparation for the $1.3 million Kosciuszko with the trial victory.
In an unusual situation at Murrumbidgee Turf Club on Saturday, most interest was on the barrier trial at Wagga as Front Page used the hitout as a stepping stone to the feature race at Randwick on October 17.
“I was very happy with his trial,” Duryea said.
“He pulled up fine after the trial and I was really happy with his effort.
“Hopefully things go according to plan and his next start will be in the Kosciuszko.”
Front Page will represent the 650-strong William Farrer Hotel’s Super Punters Club (SPC) slot in the Kosciuszko.
After securing a listed win at Flemington as his final run as a three-year-old, Front Page returned with a second placing in open company at Caulfield first-up.
Duryea is happy with Front Page heading into the assignment, but acknowledges it will not be an easy task.
“He’s obviously the baby of the field, only having the seven starts but of the seven, he’s won four and two seconds,” Duryea said.
“I was happy with his trial and hopefully his next start will be in Sydney at the Kosciuszko.”
Jordan Mallyon piloted Front Page in the barrier trial, with James McDonald booked to ride at Randwick.