Connections of runners with OTI over the weekend experienced a myriad of emotions:
‘Surprise’ in the win of $126 outsider Romancer
After pleasing his trainer in a tune-up trial on Tuesday, Romancer presented well and relaxed ahead of his run in Saturday’s feature, the Listed Straight Six at Flemington.
Apprentice Lachlan Neindorf gave the gelding a near-perfect ride, slotting in behind the leader before taking a run up the inside to dash away with 100m to go. On return to scale, he remarked that he “was still shaking” from the thrill of his first Flemington winner.
The horse had his ears pricked for almost the entirety of the run, and it was evident that he was there to win. From about the 400m mark, all of Flemington could have seen the owner celebration had begun in the enclosure.
Though his trainer Grahame Begg was reserved about his expectation’s pre-race, he wasn’t all that shocked by the seven-year-old’s winning performance.
“He trialled well earlier in the week,” Begg said. “He is always an honest horse, and with a good ride by Lachie, he was able to get the result”.
‘Reflective Pride’ in the debut from Spirit of Gaylard
Named in honour of the recently departed Rob Gaylard, who was synonymous through his work at Flemington for the VRC, and with wife/co-owner Karen Gaylard in the mounting yard watching on, Spirit of Gaylard did the name (and all involved) proud on debut when appearing a certainty beaten in the 1400m 2yo event earlier on the card. In doing so, he declared himself as a horse to watch in his 3yo season.
Unable to gain a run near the fence when momentum had him dropping on the leaders, Spirit of Gaylard was untested to the line. He will now have a break and come back for his spring 3yo season all the better for the experience.
‘Missed opportunity’ given the unlucky run of Mirann
The Johnny Murtagh trained Mirann did everything to impress his connections in his run at The Curragh on Sunday, producing a great effort to be beaten half a length. In what was a luckless race, Ben Coen rode him quietly from behind, finally getting out with only 100m to go; he dashed up the inside just to be ‘pipped at the post’.
In a significant improvement from his previous run, he showed a lot of good signs and even more to look forward to. While plans for him remain to be confirmed, a trip to Royal Ascot could well be on the cards.
‘Euphoria’ in True Self’s Group 1 placing in the Tattersalls Gold Cup
The lady of the moment, True Self, found clear air in the final two furlongs of her assignment, storming home to score a terrific third in Group 1 company in Sunday’s Tattersall’s Gold Cup.
Hollie Doyle was in the saddle and expressed how impressed she was with the mare and the excitement for her future.
While it is no question that she is destined to reach Australian shores (perhaps an invitation to the Cox Plate would be in order) there is a chance that she will head to the United States before coming down under.
“Her connections are delighted with her, she looks to have plenty of racing left in her, and she continues to travel well and keep relatively fresh,” said Terry Henderson.
“While the goal is to bring her to Australia, there are some good races in the US that would potentially suit her.”
“We are extremely excited for this filly’s future, and with that performance last night, we expect bigger things are in store for her”.