Our busy Saturday begins with Downdraft contesting the Class 2 Duke of Edinburgh Handicap at 2:35am (AEST) at Royal Ascot. Set to make his mark on the biggest stage, trainer Joseph O’Brien believes he is in very good form and is working well at home. The course and distance will suit and the drying ground is always going to work in his favour. With highly credentialed up and coming jockey David Egan on board, we hope to see Downdraft figure in the finish.
We then head to Flemington where Angelic Spirit steps out at racing headquarters for the BM90 over 1400m. She is back racing against the fillies and mares and strips fitter from her last start. Coming into her own this preparation, her spell has improved both her mental and physical maturity.
Fighting fit since his last start win, Inverloch is also stepping out at Flemington, in the 2500m Open for Busuttin Racing. After a hard earned victory, fighting right down to the wire, he is well placed for this race. Given a comfortable run in transit, he should relish the track and conditions for the weekend.
Above: Inverloch fighting for the win last start.
Romancer heads the last race of the day at Flemington for OTI in the 1400m Open. Reports from trainer Grahame Begg are that the horse has really trained on well since last start. He worked the house down during the week and will certainly appreciate the drop in weight. Having stepped out last start carrying 60kgs, he comes into the race with an apprentice claim and will jump with just 52kg. A horse that appreciates a big of give in the track, the rain shouldn’t pose a problem.
To Donald, Sleepless makes his career debut for Archie Alexander in the 1350m maiden. A horse that still has plenty of growing to do and will find his feet over further, he has Neil Farley on board who knows him well. As an educational run first time out, we are looking forward to seeing this cracking Mastercraftsman gelding hit the track.
Above: Sleepless as a yearling in New Zealand.
At Randwick, Dark Pearl heads to the BM78 over 2000m, travelling to Sydney from Melbourne overnight. He may not enjoy the soft to heavy track, however with limited suitable races in Victoria, trainer Chris Waller felt this was the best race to target. Kathy O’Hara picks up the ride on a day where the main New South Wales jockeys are either not riding at the meeting or are suspended. Having had recent success with OTI’s Grey Lion, we look forward to Kathy taking the reins.
Loresho and Chelkar seem to be following one another around the country, with both horses heading to Adelaide for Matt Williams and Archie Alexander respectively. Contesting the BM86 over 2000m at Morphettville, we hope to see both horses show us what they’re capable of over the staying journeys.
We wish all of their connections the best of luck and happy racing!
