A total of six runners will hit the track for OTI this weekend, with two of those contesting Group 1 racing. On a weekend famous for the Longines Hong Kong International Races, we are delighted to have True Self representing OTI on the world’s biggest stage.
On Saturday, Achaeus is set to kick off our weekend in the 1600m Stawell Grampians Gate Maiden Plate at Stawell on Saturday for Matthew Williams. The half-brother to 2016 Melbourne Cup winner, Almandin, has shown Williams he prefers the middle-distance range, which he finds himself in on Saturday. With the blinkers going on, we can expect this son of Tertullian to be right in the finish.
Elsewhere in Victoria, Future Score heads to Pakenham to kick off his preparation in the 1600m Hansom Handicap. This progressive son of Cape Cross thrived in his first Australian racing campaign, which culminated in winning the Banjo Patterson Series Final (2600m – $150,000) at Flemington in July. Though not expected to be ultra-competitive over the shorter journey, he’s a horse who has shown great tenacity in the past, therefore we should see him hitting the line strongly over the concluding stages.
We cross the border to Rosehill where Dark Pearl steps out in the 2000m Graeme Ferris Handicap (BM78). Following his impressive first Australian win at Warwick Farm last Wednesday, Dark Pearl heads into this run full of confidence, as well as further race fitness. Although he faces a step up in grade, he’s a horse who now looks to have recaptured his best form, which should see him figure in the finish on Saturday.
Le Juge is set to take his place in the 1600m Listed Brisbane Handicap at Doomben following his fast-finishing 4th in the Mooloolaba Cup three weeks ago. There’s no doubt he shows his best form in Queensland, and now finds himself at a track and distance that suits. Robbie Fradd will ride, continuing his strong association with the horse after recording a staggering six victories together last campaign. We hope the pace is on, giving Le Juge a chance to run over the top of them late.
In the early evening of Saturday, we turn our attention to WA where Gailo Chop steps out in the 1800m Group 1 Kingston Town Classic. With excuses in his past two starts, it wouldn’t surprise us to see him recapture some of his old form if he gets conditions to suit. He looks to have trained on nicely in the warmer conditions of the west, with the three-time Group 1 winner ready to roll forward and make his own luck.
The lone runner on Sunday, True Self, is chasing the spoils of Hong Kong Racing. She takes her place in the 2400m Group 1 Hong Kong Vase, jumping from barrier 6 with Kerrin McEvoy in the saddle. She’s taken everything in her stride this preparation and has continued to train on in Hong Kong. She will be taking on some of the world’s best, but enters the race with strong form lines and was utterly dominant in her last start Queen Elizabeth Stakes victory at Flemington (Group 3 – $300,000). With luck on her side, it would not surprise us to see Willie Mullins’ mare give her connections the thrill of a lifetime.
Best of luck to all connections!
