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By Julieanne Horsman

Territorial will have his first start with new trainer Tash Burleigh when he lines up in the Hygain Cel-Pak CG&E Maiden Handicap (1000m) at Thoroughbred Park tomorrow (Wednesday).

The two-year-old colt, originally owned by China Horse Club, had three starts for Snowden Racing but never finished better than fourth and was subsequently offered for sale.

“When the opportunity came up to purchase him I jumped at it,” Burleigh said. “There are about 12 new owners in the horse and most of them are heading down to Canberra to watch the race. We are all really excited.”

Territorial arrived at his new home in Goulburn just under a month ago and has settled in well.

“He’s a lovely colt and is quite easy going at home,” Burleigh said. “He’s been trotting and cantering and fitting into our stable routine. We have a nice hill track out the back of Goulburn Racecourse and we’ve been using that to mix up his training. He was already fit when he arrived so we have been trying to maintain that and keep him happy.”

Experienced jockey Adrian Layt has been booked for the ride tomorrow and while Burleigh says Territorial has every chance, the main objective is to teach him a thing or two.

“Tomorrow is more about learning and working out exactly where Territorial is it,” Burleigh said. “He has never raced on a good track before and I am hoping being on top of the ground might give him an advantage.

“I’ve left the blinkers on so hopefully he can learn to relax in the run and work home on the good track.”

Two of Territorial’s new stablemates are also racing at Canberra tomorrow. Ribands and Hectic will take on each other in the Hygain Racetorque BM55 Handicap over 1000m.

“Both are going as well as they can be and they’ve drawn well (barriers 4 and 5) too,” Burleigh said. “With a bit of luck in running they both should be hitting the line well.

“Obviously having them in the same race isn’t ideal but it’s been a bit tricky placing them both.”

Burleigh, a former jockey, has only been training in her own right for 8 months and can already boast a place rate of 40%.

View the fields and form (including race replays) for Canberra's Wednesday meeting here.