A nation-wide attempt of five winners in four states and one territory is on the card this weekend with OTI horses contesting races in the Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria.
Racing headquarters at Flemington plays host to a number of our runners with High Bridge, Loresho and Chelkar all in the BM90 over 2500m and Angelic Spirit in the fillies and mares 1400m BM90. Interestingly the 2500m BM90 is a race that has been won twice in the last three years by OTI with Au Revoir in 2016 and Serenade the Stars in 2018.
High Bridge comes into this race with strong form and will no doubt relish the Flemington track conditions and race speed. His regular race rider Blaike McDougall takes to the saddle and claims 2kgs. Known for his fast-finishing sectionals, High Bridge is knocking on the door for a win this campaign.
Below: High Bridge at Rosehill
Loresho has been dubbed our ‘miracle horse’ having had four skin grafts due to an injury that has set him back since 2017. It has been a mammoth effort by many getting him back to the races and this will be his fourth up run this preparation and he definitely has fitness is on his side. If given the room to get out and make running, he will be well placed.
The French-bred, previously Irish trained gelding Chelkar is taking his time to reach his peak according to trainer Archie Alexander. He will undoubtedly appreciate the rise in distance and has further improvement on what he does on Saturday.
Angelic Spirit makes her way back amongst the fillies and mares after not having handled the soft ground in her last two starts. A race as part of the apprentice series, Chelsea MacFarlane takes the reins and the Busuttin Racing team feel the firmer Flemington track should suit. We hope to see Angelic Spirit relax in running and figuring well in the finish.
Below: Angelic Spirit and Linda Meech
In New South Wales, Matthew Smith has elected to run Attorney at Randwick rather than Eagle Farm this Saturday, and he heads into the race at short odds. Since being gelded, the French import has won both his two starts this campaign for his new stable and looks to have a successful career ahead.
Having not handled the heavy track last start, Tristano heads across the border to Morphettville in South Australia. Given the race distance and drying conditions in Adelaide, Tristano is well placed here. His run prior to the heavy track was a close second to Mister Belvedere who is now the current favourite in the staying race at Flemington. Trainer Matt Cumani feels Tristano looks a solid each way chance in the six horse field.
Two Listed runners take on Eagle Farm, with Azuro coming off the back of a stunning victory in the Stayer’s Cup for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace. He heads into Saturday’s Listed Queensland Cup. His impressive win last start should hold him in good stead for the run and carrying the minimum 54kg weight will be an added advantage against the top weight and stablemate Yogi. The gear change of blinkers to winkers seems to have done the trick for this out and out stayer, so we hope to see him figure in the finish.
Later in the day, Araaja then takes on the Listed Tattersalls’ Mile for trainer Chris Waller. Backing up a week since her last start, she was unlucky in running a distant last due to a gear malfunction and the saddle slipping to a precarious position. Unable to take her into the race in the straight, her jockey was able to settle her and coast to the line. She heads into this weekend’s Listed target in great health and backs up with fitness on her side.
The last of our Saturday runners, Romanesque looks to have his second start in Darwin as a lead-up race on route to the 2000m Darwin Cup. Romanesque has done nothing but please Jason Manning this preparation and this 1900m target race should suit this horse to the ground. He carries the minimum weight of 54kg for his second start in the red dirt of the Northern Territory.
We wish the connections the best of luck and a fun day on track at their respective racecourses!