OTI and its partners are set for some late nights this weekend with a contingent of runners across the United Kingdom and France.
Friday night will be an all-French affair, as Mr Satchmo and Patchewollock head to Toulouse, while Paradia will debut at Saint-Cloud. Mr Satchmo, a last start Listed winner, will be aiming to make it two in a row, as he takes his place in the 2400m Derby Du Languedoc. Mr Satchmo is the highest rated runner in the six-horse field, but Antoine de Watrigant is confident the allocated weight of 59kg won’t be an issue, and this talented galloper will be in the finish.
In the north of France, Paradia is set to make her debut. This athletic filly will line up in a 1400m 2yo race. Her trainer, Mikel Delzangles has always had a high opinion of this filly and is eager to see what she can do on the race track. Being by Authorized, the sire of this year’s English Derby winner, Paradia will probably find the 1400m a touch short.
On Saturday, we will have three runners across three states. Pemberley returns to the track at Moonee Valley after an 8-month layoff in a 1600m Handicap. He hit the board first up last preparation over the mile, so with Steph Thornton’s claim, he should be hitting the line strongly.
In search of a softer track, the Peter Gelagotis trained Hardington heads over to Morphettville for a 2500m BM82. This fellow has been quite consistent this campaign, and the stable believe he’ll be the one to beat tomorrow.
Tucano is a stayer resuming over an unsuitable distance at Ipswich.
Early Sunday morning, our exciting young stayer, Dark Pearl kicks off his preparation at Sandown (UK) over 2200m, and Ed Walker believes he’ll be a good winning chance. This fellow has lofty targets later in the year, including a possible trip to Melbourne for the Spring Carnival.
After a hugely positive debut two weeks ago, Gregorian Chant is set to step out over 1400m at Bendigo on Sunday. Mitch Freedman has reported that this 2yo filly has come on very well and is an excellent order.
The weekend will be rounded out by our newest addition; the Andre Fabre trained King of Camelot, who looks set to run in a 2400m Group 2 at Chantilly. This colt has already placed at Listed and Group levels and is aimed for Prix de Jockey Club next month.
Best of luck to all our partners!
