Another busy weekend for OTI and its partners with runners in three states over both days. Saturday kicks off with Le Juge and Master Zephyr going head to head in the 1835m Open Handicap at Eagle Farm. Le Juge has drawn well in barrier two and Master Zephyr has drawn on his inside in barrier one. In fine form, Le Juge again looks hard to beat, with trainer Chris Waller opting to use Blake Shinn due to a suspension for Le Juge’s regular rider Robbie Fradd.
Below: Le Juge on his way to winning in Queensland.
Master Zephyr continues to improve his race fitness this campaign with this start fitting well into his schedule as devised by trainer Tony Haydon. Master Zephyr is glowing in the coat and enjoying the sunshine at his new Queensland base. We are looking to see him work his way through the grades and up over his more favoured distances in preparation for the winter carnival. Here’s hoping there’s an OTI quinella finish!
To Hawkesbury in NSW, Tom Melbourne heads the field of 12 runners in the 1600m Group 3 Hawkesbury Cup, carrying the top-weight of 59kgs. Also joining him in the OTI silks is Aloisia and Kellstorm. Aloisia will be having her final run for OTI this weekend before heading to the Inglis Chairman’s sale. A multiple Group winner, she is well placed amongst the field and jumps from barrier six.
Below: Tom Melbourne on his way to winning a Listed race at Randwick in Sydney
Kellstorm makes his racing debut since a recent spell and change of trainer. Now in the care of trainer Richard Freedman at Warwick Farm, he has been brought along slowly. Richard and the team have completed added a variety of training into the horse’s regime, from dressage to swimming as well as a couple of sharp trials leading into the race. What Kellstorm lacks in race fitness, he certainly makes up in weight advantage for this race – carrying just 54kgs. We are certainly looking forward to seeing him back in action.
To Sunday at Geelong, we have a busy afternoon with Stormy Road looking to make it wins in dual hemispheres, taking on a field of just nine in the 1700m BM64. A rise in distance from her last 1400m start, she looks primed to run well for Matt Cumani. Drawing the widest barrier shouldn’t pose too much of an issue given the small field size, but she will relish in the trip and wide galloping track of Geelong. Apprentice jockey Fred Kersley takes to the saddle and we hope to see her work well to the line.
Sollevare also heads to Geelong for the Cumani Racing team and starts in the BM64 over 2200m. Sollevare is a lovely big staying type with a big stride and smooth action. He strips fitter from his last two runs and the rise in distance should definitely suit. With Jordan Childs on board, they jump from barrier six of nine. Having won his maiden at the same track less than 12 months ago we hope to see him right in the finish.
Below: Sollevare
Gregorian Chant is in the seventh race of the day and looking to improve on her last start sixth place, taking on a field of 11 runners in the class 1 over 1400m. Trainer Mitchell Freedman is pleased with her progress thus far so early in her preparation and believes she will be stronger second up. A horse that also relishes in the added distance, this race was a logical stepping stone in improving her race fitness as she gets over more ground.
Best of luck to the connections of each runner this weekend!