Downdraft is our first runner for the weekend with an early morning start at Dundalk in Ireland. The race is due to air at 3:30am Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) and his owners are looking forward to seeing their last start winner hit the track to kick off his spring campaign in Europe. Trainer Joseph O’Brien is pleased with the horse’s progress over the winter and feels the race is an ideal starting point. Downdraft ended last season in impressive fashion so we hope to see an even better four-year-old!
To the Gold Coast in Queensland on Saturday, another last-start winner for OTI takes on the BM75 over 1800m. Tucano showed his brilliant turn of foot at Sunshine Coast a fortnight ago when winning well in the heavy 8 rated track. Trainer Tony Haydon has said the horse came out of the race well, has really thrived this preparation and oozes confidence. Luke Tarrant again partners with Tucano and the step up in distance this start should prove advantageous.
Below: Tucano winning his last start at Sunshine Coast.
To the Living Legends Day at Flemington, we kick off a day of racing with Fastnet Tempest in the ‘Might and Power’ Handicap over 1400m. The Lindsay Park training team have the horse well placed and he jumps from barrier four to place him in an ideal position in running. New apprentice Blaike McDougall takes the ride and claims 2kgs. After his strong third place in the G3 Victoria Handicap last start, a similar finish will see him right in the finish.
Serenade the Stars also heads to Flemington on Saturday for the ‘Brew’ Handicap and the Gelagotis Racing team. After a disappointing start this preparation, we are looking to see a turn-around in form from Serenade the Stars. A rise in distance to the 2600m may just work in his favour, so we hope to see an improved effort.
Mantastic rounds out OTI’s day at Flemington in the 1800m Handicap. Over this distance, trainer Chris Waller believes Mantastic will be best suited to being ridden from the back of the field due his wide barrier draw. A horse that finishes off his races well if the pace in the race is right, we hope to see him closing strongly. Having come through his fifth place on ANZAC Day without any problems, he is progressing nicely this campaign.
Below: Mantastic working home to win at Caulfield.
Inverloch heads to Morphettville for Oaks Day to contest the BM90 over 2000m. On a big track that Inverloch will appreciate, he hasn’t missed a beat since his last start a fortnight ago. Stripping fitter this run, he travelled to Adelaide overnight and has settled in well. We are looking forward to seeing a strong performance with the step up in distance. Trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young believe he has improved greatly from his last run and will give the race a good shake-up.
Miss Carboni heads to Bendigo on Sunday for her first-up run this preparation. A last start maiden winner, she looks to have strengthened up nicely with a short spell and is ready to take on some better quality races this campaign. A horse that can get a little hot in her track work, trainer Archie Alexander has been able to find the key to keeping her relaxed, yet focused in getting her fit, so we hope to see a nice performance.
Best of luck to their connections and happy racing!
