Another busy weekend awaits OTI and our partners. The OTI colours will be seen on racetracks across England, Ireland and Australia.
Gregorian Chant is an exciting two-year-old filly set to make her racetrack debut tomorrow at Moonee Valley for Mitch Freedman. This New Zealand import is by Echoes of Heaven out of Norse Affair. She was impressive in her first official trial at Werribee earlier in the week. Mitch has reported that she has come on well from that trial and expects her to hit the line strongly.
Joining Gregorian Chant at the Valley will be Grey Lion. The Matt Cumani trained gelding has had a slightly interrupted preparation but will be looking to bounce back in a 2040m Handicap. It looks an ideal race for him if he is anywhere near his best.
After a luckless run in last weekend’s Premier’s Cup at Doomben, where he got too far back, Gallic Chieftain will back up and run in the Group 2 P.J O’Shea Stakes at the Sunshine Coast. He’s drawn a good gate and will be partnered by veteran Queensland hoop, Jeff Lloyd. The stable is confident that the 7 day between runs won’t pose a problem and expect him to run very well.
Saturday night, we’ll see Downdraft stepping out at Nevan in a 2000m Handicap for three-year-olds. Joseph O’Brien has a high opinion of this fellow and believes he’ll be right in the finish. A good run here will lay the foundation for a trip to Royal Ascot.
The weekend will be rounded out with the 3 runners at Ballarat on Sunday. This contingent will be led by Hardington, who will be seeking to make it two in a row, following an impressive win last week at Cranbourne. He’ll remain at the 2000m and Peter Gelagtotis is confident in his chances. A little earlier in the day, Fastnet Cyclone will be making his seasonal debut over 1400m for Simon Morrish. This son of Fastnet Rock has been training well and looks set for a big preparation.
Best of luck to all our partners!