Hot Spring Returns
Put Etched In Time down for another win as the NSW Tycoons start 2026 on fire.
It wasn’t without a few heart flutters for Tycoons’ owners, but in the end, the enigmatic galloper got the job done at Nowra last Sunday.
As co-trainer Will Freedman pointed out, “Congratulations to all on the win, don’t underestimate how hard it is to win anywhere in New South Wales, which in my opinion is the toughest and most competitive jurisdiction in Australia, if not the world.”
It’s hard to argue with Will on that point, yes, the prize money in New South Wales is fantastic, but it’s hard to win.
ETCHED HAD A GOOD THINK
Etched In Time has returned in great fettle after what could best be described as a lacklustre preparation when he was last in work.
He is beautifully bred, being by Written Tycoon out of a very good mare in Steps In Time. But like so many horses, he does have his quirks, according to Will Freedman.
“Etched” pushed out on the corner on Sunday and put a space on the field, but his mind started to play a few tricks, and he thought he might wait for the others to catch up.
“He got to the lead at about the 300m, he pricked his ears and thought his job was done.
“You’ll see Lee Magorrian had to really get into him to get the victory.
“I’m really pleased he got the victory, but he is still a work in progress.
“He may be better ridden a little bit quieter, and be kept for one last rush at them.
“We may play with some headgear,” Will said.
Owners with Miss Trustful
Miss Trustful
LEE MOGARRIAN WORKED HARD FOR THAT
Jockey Lee Magorrian certainly earned his winning percentage and riding fee; he had to work hard for the win.
Lee learnt some of his quirks when he rode him at Kembla, and he learned some more about Etched In Time at Nowra.
“I was due to have a win in these NSW Tycoons silks, I’ve had a few rides in them of late, so it was nice to get a win for the team.
“He travelled pretty well, and we pushed the second favourite out of the way pretty easily on the turn, but as soon as he hit the lead, he started to have a good think about it.
“He may need some headgear, but I’ll leave that up to Richard and Will to work. It was good to get the win.”
The Freedmans are reluctant to put full blinkers back on because he is racing in good form. Maybe half blinkers may be added for his next assignment. Owners will be kept up to date with any gear changes.
WHAT’S NEXT
Etched In Time was on the quick back-up, so he’ll now be given 3 weeks till his next assignment, which will be at a higher level.
“He’s an honest campaigner.
“We will give him a few weeks in between runs and most likely head back to the Provincials and he’ll be more than competitive.
“I wouldn’t be afraid to even take him to a Midway in town, keep an eye on him because he is not that far away from putting in a better performance than that.
NSW Tycoons can look forward to more wins from Etched.
Go you good thing.