UNCOMMON JAMES pleases trainer as spring return looms
Tuesday, 23 Sep 2025
Group 1 performer Uncommon James wasn't out to break any records at his first public appearance ahead of the spring at Tuesday morning's barrier trials at Doomben.
But his trainer Matt Hoysted was happy with the effort as he tunes up the seven-year-old gelding for his latest preparation.
"It was just his first one back and I was pleased with how he went," Hoysted said.
"We weren't there to do a hell of a lot but he copped a bit of pressure up front and Ben (Thompson) kept a good hold of him still through the line.
"He pulled up well and I'm happy with how he's recovered so we'll be back here in two weeks time for a more serious hitout before we map out a return to the races."
Hoysted admitted he was at a crossroad with Uncommon James at the start of the year when unsure if he still had a zest for racing.
And while the 2023 Oakleigh Plate hero didn't win a race throughout the autumn, he bounced back in a big way and gave a big sight in the Group 1 Galaxy when third to Private Harry.
"We just didn't have much luck with the barrier draws, unfortunately," Hoysted said.
"So, he was forced to do a bit too much work in those races but he was still fantastic in The Galaxy.
"He showed he still wanted to do it and this prep is sort of similar in that we get through this next trial and map out where we head."
As for where Uncommon James kicks off this spring, it could be Sydney or Melbourne but that will all depend on his second trial.
"There's a couple of races in Melbourne and a few in Sydney but we're just not sure as of yet," Hoysted said.
"It will all depend on his second trial and then we just work out what sort of distance we kick him off in.
"Whether that's in Melbourne over 1000m or in Sydney over 1200m."
But his trainer Matt Hoysted was happy with the effort as he tunes up the seven-year-old gelding for his latest preparation.
"It was just his first one back and I was pleased with how he went," Hoysted said.
"We weren't there to do a hell of a lot but he copped a bit of pressure up front and Ben (Thompson) kept a good hold of him still through the line.
"He pulled up well and I'm happy with how he's recovered so we'll be back here in two weeks time for a more serious hitout before we map out a return to the races."
Hoysted admitted he was at a crossroad with Uncommon James at the start of the year when unsure if he still had a zest for racing.
And while the 2023 Oakleigh Plate hero didn't win a race throughout the autumn, he bounced back in a big way and gave a big sight in the Group 1 Galaxy when third to Private Harry.
"We just didn't have much luck with the barrier draws, unfortunately," Hoysted said.
"So, he was forced to do a bit too much work in those races but he was still fantastic in The Galaxy.
"He showed he still wanted to do it and this prep is sort of similar in that we get through this next trial and map out where we head."
As for where Uncommon James kicks off this spring, it could be Sydney or Melbourne but that will all depend on his second trial.
"There's a couple of races in Melbourne and a few in Sydney but we're just not sure as of yet," Hoysted said.
"It will all depend on his second trial and then we just work out what sort of distance we kick him off in.
"Whether that's in Melbourne over 1000m or in Sydney over 1200m."