With runners across several venues, it promises to be an exciting Saturday for OTI.
It all kicks off across the ditch on Saturday afternoon in the Group 3 Waikato Cup at Te Rapa (NZ), with the Baker & Forsman stable hopeful that the addition of blinkers to talented gelding Vin de Dance will help him to rediscover his best form. The step up to the 2400m can only be a positive for Vin de Dance, a distance which saw him claim the New Zealand Derby in 2018. With a nice barrier and Jonathan Riddell in the saddle, it all bodes well for a forward showing from the Group 1 winning son of Roc de Cambes.
After a great first-up run in the Listed ATC Cup, High Bridge will be our lone representative at Randwick on Saturday. In a race that comprises of a host of well-performed stayers, the services of gun hoop Tommy Berry should help High Bridge in producing his customary strong finish over the concluding stages of the Listed Christmas Cup. The Waller stable has been pleased with the benefit that the 9-year-old has taken from his ATC Cup run, so we look forward to seeing him fighting out the finish.
Back at headquarters, it will be a dual-pronged attack for OTI in the 2530m BM78, with Sydney-sider Artarmon to join the Archie Alexander trained Barade in their quests for a first Australian win. Trainer Matthew Smith is delighted with the way Artarmon has arrived in Melbourne and cannot fault his condition leading into Saturday’s race. Whilst a wide barrier may pose a slight concern, we are hopeful that leading jockey Ben Melham will be able to negotiate a nice run in transit for the son of So You Think.
Archie Alexander is optimistic that the big track of Flemington, as well as the step-up in distance, will bring the best out of Barade on Saturday. Apprentice Fred Kersley will be looking to make it consecutive Saturday winners for OTI after last weekend’s victorious steer aboard Future Score.
Not long after Flemington’s staying event, OTI will venture to Cranbourne with a daughter of Rock ‘n’ Pop. The Busuttin & Young trained Tiifu will take her place in a 1600m Maiden with Chris Symons on-board. Reports from the stable have indicated good improvement off her debut, so we are looking forward to seeing what this 3-year-old filly can do up over a more suitable trip.
Best of luck to all connections and happy racing!
