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By Ray Hickson

We haven’t seen the best of exciting galloper Yorkshire yet, that’s something co-trainer Tom Charlton is certain of.

Trainer Tom Charlton (Pic: Bradley Photos).

With the wave of support around for the five-year-old going into the Group 2 $1 million Newcastle Herald Hunter (1300m) on Saturday there’s high expectations that Yorkshire might produce something special.

Charlton, who co-trains with John O’Shea, said Yorkshire has had a smooth preparation since setbacks brought his last campaign, and Big Dance ambitions, to an end in February but is quick to point out next month’s The Ingham is his major target.

“He’s a cracking racehorse, has a great temperament and loves what he does,’’ Charlton said.

“That’s reflected in his race record thus far.

“It has been a touch frustrating, he’s had a few minor setbacks throughout his career, but he’s lightly raced and he’s far from the end of his career that’s for sure.

“He’s in at the right time to hopefully target some suitable options over the next few weeks.”

Yorkshire, who firmed from $8 early in the week to $3.60 with TAB on Friday, has been given two trials and it was the latest that had everyone talking.

Under only mild urging from Zac Lloyd, the gelding charged past Dawn Service to win a 1045m heat at Randwick a week ago.

Charlton’s only real concern going into The Hunter is that he feels 1300m is at the lesser end of his powers but he has proven a winner with six wins from eight starts.

“He is a strong galloping style of horse who builds into his race,’’ he said.

“Whether he will come on a bit from his first run and again when he steps up in trip after it he might be better suited we’ll see but he’s well weighted and Newcastle will play to his strength.”

All going well Yorkshire will likely progress to the Group 3 Festival Stakes (1500m) in two weeks then another fortnight into the Group 2 $2 million The Ingham (1600m) on December 13.

“Once the cards were dealt this series of races was an obvious choice, mainly being the Ingham in December at a course and distance that looks right up his street,’’ Charlton said.

“These races he’s about to compete in are quality handicaps and that sees him well placed to be competitive.”

O’Shea won The Hunter in 2021 with the classy Lost And Running.

Maison Louis let the side down with his failure in the Rosehill Gold Cup but Charlton is forgiving due to testing conditions on that day going into the Listed $300,000 NZB The Beauford (2300m).

The Queensland Derby winner looked on target when he ran into third behind Lindermann in the Hill Stakes second-up.

“It was a weird track, it was quite tacky and sticky ground and Dylan (Gibbons) said as soon as he came off the bridle he was paddling,’’ he said.

“He was doing so well as indicated by his run before we were happy to give him the benefit of the doubt. As a result he can run well.

“He was effective at a mile and a half when he won the Derby so it falls under his banner nicely.”

Zouna has been disappointing in two runs from a long break since joining O’Shea and Charlton but he has the right platform in the Lees Racing ‘Legend’ Mile (1600m).

Prior to his long break the gelding chased home Broadsiding in the Sires’ Produce at Eagle Farm last year and Charlton said he has the right opportunity to find some form.

“He’s raced with excuses but off a long layoff he might be lacking a bit of confidence which is why we gave him the tickover trial,’’ he said.

Yorkshire wins a Randwick trial on November 7

“From a good gate it will really help him position up without doing too much work. He’s a capable horse on his day."

Stablemate Jamberoo brings a solid second-up record into the race and with the 3kg claim for William Stanley gives him a chance.

“He’s a consistent performer as ever and if he has things go his way he’s not out of it,’’ Charlton said.

Tom Charlton on Inquiring Minds (race 6): “He went to Coonamble and it was quite a firm track and he didn’t seem to let down. He’s such a game and honest horse he will always give his best.”

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday’s meeting at Newcastle