A meeting usually run at the Gold Coast has been transferred to an even sunnier location this weekend. OTI will be represented with four possible runners on the day including (potentially) two Group contenders.
Kicking off the day in Race 2 will be Gambu. The 4yo trained by Chris Waller will come into the race fourth up after progressing with each run.
“His races have been a little bit plain but he hasn’t had a lot go his way, so hopefully we can see him bounce back to some better form. The distance certainly won’t be a problem and he should have a bit more acceleration now when stepping up to this distance if he is anywhere near his best.”, said Waller in a pre-race update for Saturday.
He has drawn barrier 5 in a field of 14 and steps up to the 2400m distance with Damien Thornton in the saddle.
Also in the race is Scarlet Tufty, a 7yo son of Siyouni, who certainly should be up for the challenge. After a jumpout between races on May 2, the gelding is in good shape for his return.
Trainer Jack Bruce said “We’ve drawn barrier 3 and being the bold, front running horse that he is I think it’s ideal for him. The race is probably a bit stronger than I would’ve liked, but he has been very consistent in his previous starts and on a big track like this, he’ll get every chance.”
Nash Rawiller is booked to ride at 57.5kg.
To see all race details and the full field click here.
Race 6 will see last start Listed winner Lady Laguna step back up to 1200m and Group 3 grade on Saturday. She has proven very competitive on multiple occasions and is a deserving Group level contender. The filly should have taken great confidence from her last start success, saluting for the first time since her two wins as a pre-Christmas 2yo.
“She bounced back nicely from her win last start and we have just kept her ticking over at home. She’s a bit deeper into her campaign now and is fit for Saturday. The field is similar to her last start, probably a bit more competitive with a few nice horses joining her, but we know she’s a very honest horse so no concern for her on race day.” said stable representative Todd Pollard in an update during the week.
See the full field and all race details here.
Also possibly attending the Sunshine Coast will be Cepheus who has accepted for the Group 2 Hollindale Stakes, however a better opportunity could present for him the following week in the Group 3 Chairman’s Handicap at Doomben, with the Doomben Cup as a following target race.
Cepheus has had a very positive preparation with five starts, including a win in the Group 2 Ajax Stakes along with three placings. Trainer Matt Dunn said “His gallop the other day was very good, he settled nicely and finished off strong. The Group 2 on Saturday has probably come up a bit stronger than we thought and with the wide barrier draw the Group 3 Chairman’s Handicap in a week’s time might be a better option for him.”
See the full field and all race details for Saturday’s potential race start here.
Best of luck to all connections involved!