BLACK PIRANHA AND NEWPORT TO TRIAL AT BROADMEADOW

GROUP 1 stars - Sydney's Black Piranha and Newcastle's Melbourne Cup hope Newport - will contest a special barrier trial on the Broadmeadow course proper on Wednesday (September 2).

The 1100m trial - to be run at 8:30 am - has four runners, also including the Paul Messara well-bred pair, Saint Nicholas and Gravitas.

Trainer Con Karakatsanis was keen to give Broadmeadow debutant Black Piranha - who hasn't started since winning the Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm on June 6 - a look at the track before the gelding resumes in the $150,000 Group 3 Patinack Farm Cameron Handicap (1300m) on September 16.

Karakatsanis will float the gelding to Newcastle tomorrow evening and stable him overnight in readiness for Wednesday's trial.

Black Piranha's ultimate spring goal is the wfa Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley on October 24.

Trainer Paul Perry is also using Wednesday's special trial as an important part of last year's AJC Metropolitan winner Newport's spring preparation.

Perry has targeted the Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill Gardens on September 12 as Newport's "official" spring starting point.

The grey will then contest the Group 1 wfa George Main Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on September 26 before Perry decides whether he runs in the Epsom Handicap (1600m) or defends his Metropolitan (2400m) crown.

Both races are also Group 1 events and will be run at Randwick a week later on October 3.

Newport earned prizemoney when 10th in Viewed's Melbourne Cup last year, and connections are keen to have another shot at Australia's famous "two miler" at Flemington on November 3.

Everyone is welcome to attend Wednesday's special trial and Newcastle Jockey Club is providing breakfast in the members' grandstand between 8:15 am and 9:15 am.

Additionally, complimentary entry tickets for Cameron Handicap day on September 16 will be handed out to those in attendance. A further 10 barrier teials will be conducted on the No 2 grass on Wednesday morning after the course proper feature.

STORY COURTESY OF JOHN CURTIS of the NEWCASTLE JOCKEY CLUB