Thompson’s Stable Eyes Big Wins at Randwick to Close Racing Season
Local trainer John Thompson is looking to cap off a successful year with a powerful showing at Randwick this Saturday. With Open Secret leading the charge, Thompson plans to launch a team of in-form runners to end the 2024/25 racing season on a high.
Thompson’s 55 winners this season mark his best return since 2019/20, proving his methods are paying off. “Looking back I’m happy with how things have gone,” he said. “The results in the past 12 months have been good.”
His focus now shifts to young blood. “I think we are heading into the new season with a solid team of young two and three-year-olds,” he added.
Open Secret Headlines Thompson’s Randwick Hopes
One of the most promising runners, Open Secret, resumes in the Keeneland September Yearling Sale 2YO Open Handicap (1100m). The talented filly impressed in her debut season, winning first-up and then finishing close behind Rivellino and Within The Law in her next two starts.
“She’s a talented filly and I’m really happy with how she’s coming up,” Thompson said. “She’s trialled up well and I’m looking forward to seeing how she performs.”
If she shines this weekend, the team is eyeing three-year-old filly races, starting with the Silver Shadow Stakes on Winx Stakes day. “She’ll improve out of the run but I’m expecting her to be competitive,” Thompson said.
Strong Team Across the Card This Saturday
Thompson has multiple contenders lining up across the Randwick card. In the Midway Benchmark 72 Handicap (1600m), last year’s Four Pillars winner Kingston Charm returns. She comes off an unlucky second and is building toward peak fitness.
“She’s going well and third up she’s pretty close to her peak now,” Thompson said. “It looks a nice race for her.”
Her stablemate Starphistocated, despite being lightly raced in stronger company, has earned her spot. “She’s honest and done well. I think she’s been looking for the mile on a bigger track and that’s what she gets on Saturday,” he explained.
In the ATC Thank You Trainers Benchmark 88 Handicap (1100m), Bundeena steps up after a dominant first-up win. “I’m happy with how he’s going this prep,” said Thompson. “This race is a bit stronger, but I do think he’s got upside.”
Also in action are Opal Fields and Zouripper in the ATC Thank You Owners Benchmark 72 Handicap (1100m). Thompson remains confident. “Opal Fields is going well enough to run well in a race like this,” he said. “Zouripper is a horse that goes really well fresh. His first-up win at Kembla was a bloody good win.”
Looking ahead, Thompson highlighted two horses to watch: With Your Blessing and Open Secret. “With Your Blessing is a horse that is on the rise and not far away,” he said. “I’m also looking forward to seeing how Open Secret runs on Saturday. She’s a filly that the best is still ahead of.”
