It’s another busy weekend for OTI and its partners with horses racing in Queensland and country Victoria, as well as at metropolitan Sydney and Melbourne, at Randwick and Flemington respectively.
Saturday’s racing kicks off with Tucano running in a BM75 over 2220m at Doomben. Backing up a week after his last run, trainer Tony Haydon is pleased with his progress and believes the run has improved his fitness. The step up in distance should also suit. Having run the final 600m last start in a brisk 34.98 seconds, he will be looking to replicate a similar finish tomorrow.
In country Victoria we have Scherzoso running in the 2050m Murtoa Cup for trainer Aaron Purcell. Underdone at his first two runs following a long layoff, Scherzoso jumps from barrier 4 with Declan Bates aboard. One of 3 VOBIS Gold entrants for this incentivised race, with a bit of luck we hope to notch up some bonus prizemoney for his Victorian breeding and racing connections.
At Randwick, we have 2 horses racing. We start with Araaja in a 1400m Open Handicap. Hitting the line full of running in her trial on Tuesday, she will look to jump well from barrier 7 with Jay Ford riding. Trainer Chris Waller believes she is glowing and, if the track holds up after the considerable amount of rain in Sydney, she has every chance to do well.
The Ford/Waller combination fronts up again with Instant de Reve in the BM88 Handicap over 1600m. Having drawn an awkward barrier, jumping from barrier 11 of 14, he is likely to roll forward. This race appears to be very open race with not a whole lot of speed, and as a result we are expecting Instant de Reve to enjoy the softer track and finish off nicely.
At Flemington, we are hoping for Doroza to gain a start in the Listed UCI Stakes for 3yo’s over 1800m. Prepared by Matt Cumani, Doroza is looking to continue on his Derby campaign after an excellent gallop on Tuesday. He will appreciate the added distance and looks primed for the run, so let’s hope he gains a start.
The headline act this weekend is Aloisia in the Group 2 Blazer Stakes for Fillies and Mares run over 1400m. Up against some stiff competition in her first run back this preparation, Aloisia’s work leading into this event has been fantastic. Jockey Michael Walker is having his first sit on the mare, and owners are hoping she can replicate her spring 2017 form.
A further two runners on Sunday, with Romancer contesting the 1600m Bairnsdale Cup for Darren Weir. Romancer has found the ground here in Australia is a little firmer than he is used to but he has been ticking along nicely ahead of his next assignment. He jumps from barrier 4 in a field of 13 with stable jockey Ben Allen aboard. Some give in the track would certainly be beneficial.
Making his Australian debut for Bjorn Baker, Seven Falls will run at Hawksbury. He is showing plenty of ability, having won a recent trial at Warwick Farm. Tye Angland takes the ride and will jump from barrier 2 for the 1600m trip for maiden gallopers.
Good luck to all of our co-owners over the weekend as we look forward to another successful few days.
