After Belthil’s successful Australian debut last Friday, we now look forward to three more horses stepping out in our colours for the first time this week.
First up on Wednesday is Step Aside, who will make his debut at Warwick Farm for trainer Chris Waller.
The 3yo son of Redwood joined the OTI team after an impressive trial win in New Zealand in late October. Since arriving in Australia, he has made good progress throughout and has again impressed with his performances at the trials. He won his first Australian jumpout at Canterbury and went on to also win his second at Rosehill a couple of weeks later.
“Clearly, he has got ability because he has been winning his trials impressively even when still doing a few things wrong. He will continue to get better and I see no reason why he cannot head through to the races,” says Chris Waller after assessing his trial performance in early December.
Step Aside will start from barrier 6 with James McDonald booked to ride at 57kg.
See all race details and the full field here.
Also having her first race start at Sandown is Fretta, a 2yo (3 in Australian time) daughter of Frankel, in training with Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr. She is a lovely staying style of filly who after two trials at Cranbourne, is ready to head to the races. She will take her place in the 1500m Maiden at Sandown with Jamie Kah booked to ride at 56kg.
See the full field and all race details here.
Another Australian debut run with the Price/Kent stable will be Ultimate Focus on Thursday at Wangaratta. The 5yo gelding from New Zealand has already proven to be most competitive having had three starts for a win and a second before coming to Australia in July this year.
After a quiet first trial, Ultimate Focus pleased in his second jumpout and followed that up with a good gallop on his home track last week.
The gelding will most likely start in a BM64 over 1300m on Thursday.
See all nominations for the race here.
Best of luck to all connections!