Saturday looks to be a busy one for OTI, beginning the day with Vin de Dance heading a field of 19 runners in the Listed Kaimai Stakes over 2000m. He comes into the race off the back of a fourth place in the Group 3 1800m Taranaki Cup. Having run the fastest final 600m last start, he is primed for the run given a drop in class and rise in distance – we hope to see him in the top 3.
Irish bred Fairlight takes to the track at Gosford this weekend for his Australian debut for trainer Kris Lees. By Lope De Vega and from a staying European family, he will take plenty of improvement off his first up run this preparation. Aiming for the Sydney Cup in April, the race looks to be a great starting point for Fairlight’s campaign and rise in distance as he progresses through the grades.
To Rosehill in Sydney, Casterton is looking to have his first start this preparation in the Listed Parramatta Cup, along with stablemate High Bridge. Having drawn favourably in barrier one with James McDonald on board, he heads to the 1900m race possibly a little short on fitness, but looking to finish off strongly. High Bridge appears to be well placed over the 1900m distance and Chris is very pleased with his recent progress. A horse that runs well fresh and has an exhilarating turn of foot, we hope to see him hitting the line strongly for Kerrin McEvoy.
Le Juge heads to Eagle Farm looking to add another win to the board after capturing three wins from his last four starts for Chris Waller. He looks to be enjoying the summer sun in Queensland and relishing in his newfound racing confidence. Having accepted for the Class 6 over 1600m with his winning jockey Robbie Fradd on board, he takes on All-Star Mile contender Urban Ruler. Jumping from barrier two in a field of thirteen he looks well placed to continue to put his best hoof forward.
Rounding out the day is Night’s Watch taking on the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes at Caulfield for his new training team of Ciaron Maher Racing. Going down by just one and a half lengths last start in the Group 3 Carlyon Cup, he flew home to clock 11.97secs in the final furlong – the fastest horse home in the last 200m. A rise in class and distance from the mile to 1800m may prove a challenge with such a tough field but we look forward to seeing how well he handles the test.
Best of luck to their connections and happy racing!
