What a weekend of racing we have in store, with 9 runners expected to greet the starter across the globe.
We will be commencing our busy weekend with two runners in Europe tonight. Patchewollock is heading to La Teste-de-Buch in France for Antoine de Watrigrant in a Handicap over 1600m. He has mixed his form in recent times, but the track should suit the horse and we expect him to be competitive in the race.
Across the channel, we have Artarmon stepping out tonight at Lingfield Park (UK) in a 2000m race for Michael Bell. We find a small field here, and an inside barrier has been drawn. Despite the difficult training conditions in Europe, the horse has been working well for Michael Bell and it will be good to see him back on the track.
Back home, OTI has runners at Rosehill, Mornington and Bairnsdale in a bid to continue our strong run of success.
Archie Alexander made the decision yesterday to run Lord Fandango in the Group 3 Manion Stakes at Rosehill and bypass the Listed Mornington Cup. Although the horse may not enjoy a heavy track if presented with one, Alexander believes this race is more suitable for the horse and will get him working ‘the Sydney way’ ahead of the Sydney Cup in a few weeks.
While further rain would not overly suit Lord Fandango, two of our Autumn stars happy to see the clouds are Vin de Dance and Gailo Chop. Vin de Dance will be starting in the 2000m Group 1 Rosehill Guineas, and the stable has confirmed they are very happy with his work in Sydney, with a longer-term eye on the AJC Derby in two weeks. Gailo Chop will be starting in the 2000m Group 1 Ranvet Stakes. He’s not seen a wet track on race day for a number of years, but has an enviable record on them from his time in Europe. He is the race favourite, and quite deservedly so.
Down to Mornington and a further three planned runners. The first of which is So Far Sokool, who will be stepping out over 1200m for Archie Alexander. She has strengthened and matured over her summer break and returns an improved version of the filly that is now twice Listed placed. She’s drawn well and the track is expected to suit her. We’re sure she will give a sight.
Last start Stony Creek Cup winner Gallic Chieftain will look for the double in the Mornington Cup. The horse is very well and up to this level. Another good performance may see him head to Sydney with the Sydney Cup in mind.
In the last race on the card at Mornington is Shakopee for Matt Cumani. He put in a promising first-up run at Flemington two weeks ago and the extra fitness gained and longer journey of this race certainly brings him into contention.
Savvy Acquisition is heading to Bairnsdale over 1600m in a maiden. The horse came out of his last run well, and the distance should suit this horse. We expect him to be hitting the line strongly.
We are fortunate to have so many runners in big races on an exciting weekend, and wish all of our co-owners and connections the very best of luck.