A break-through placing at Group 3 level last weekend has ensured the OTI Racing-owned Downdraft is set to travel to Australia for this year’s Melbourne Spring Carnival.
Trained by Joseph O’Brien, Downdraft finished second behind the Aidan O’Brien-trained Southern France in the Group 3 Irish St Leger Trial (2816m) at The Curragh on Friday.
Downdraft settled last in the six-horse field under regular rider Donnacha O’Brien before closing nicely to finish two lengths behind last year’s Group 1 English St Leger third placegetter Southern France. The Lloyd Williams-owned Master Of Reality attempted to lead throughout and faded into third.
Downdraft has won twice at Listed level in Ireland but his handicap rating was insufficient to be certain of a berth in the £1 million (A$1.8m) Ebor Handicap (2787m) at York.
Last Sunday’s Group 2 Prix Kergorlay (3000m) at Deauville was on the agenda but wet weather ensured the Irish St Leger Trial became the preferred option for Downdraft.
Downdraft is expected to start his quarantine period from mid-September, arrive in Melbourne on September 28 and be eligible to race in Australia from Caulfield Guineas Day (October 12) onwards.
With his rating now having reached 110 after his solid performance, Downdraft will be aimed at the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups, with the Herbert Power Stakes or the $400,000 G3 Geelong Cup (2400m) on October 23 used as alternative lead-up races.
Downdraft’s entry into quarantine means he’ll be missing from the G1 Irish St Leger (2816m) at The Curragh on September 15, which is likely to feature many Melbourne Cup candidates including defending champion Cross Counter, Latrobe, Master Of Reality and Falcon Eight.
