Fownes Upbeat Regarding Aethero

Gun sprinter Aethero (Sebring-Pinocchio, by Encosta de Lago) pleased trainer Caspar Fownes at Sha Tin on Tuesday morning as the Hong Kong record holder he ramped up his preparation toward a return to the races, reports racingnews.hkjc.com. The hulking chestnut – who holds Sha Tin's 1000m course record – appeared to move freely and with relative ease under championship leading jockey Joao Moreira as he crossed the line first in a barrier trial by a comfortable 2-lengths, clocking 46.09s. "It was a pleasing trial – it's nice to bring him back and the track condition was beautiful this morning, we just gave him an 800m trial and he's come through it nicely," Fownes said Fownes of the now 4YO. Touted as the heir apparent to Hong Kong's sprinting ranks, the Sebring gelding's rise to stardom was put on hold after he was found to have bled in last April's Gr1 Chairman's Sprint Prize (1200m), but then any early season aspirations were subsequently scrapped as he suffered a tendon injury last September. "We've just brought him along nice and easy – there is no doubt that he is something special," acknowledged Fownes who also trains his star half-brother Classique Legend (Not A Single Doubt. "We just need a little bit of luck and we've certainly given him every chance to make a successful comeback – hopefully we can bring him back to his best." Possible options remaining this season for the 119-rater are a Class 1 sprint contest worth HK$3 million on 13 March, the Gr2 Sprint Cup (1200m) on 5 April, the Gr1 Chairman's Sprint Prize (1200m) on FWD Champions Day (25 April) and the Gr3 Sha Tin Vase Handicap (1200m) on 23 May.