This week OTI has an exciting line-up of runners both locally and internationally!
Wednesday
Sandown
Eidolon heads to Sandown in excellent shape for the 1400m 2yo Handicap (Race 2 – 1:00 pm). Showing significant improvement since his last start, Busuttin Racing couldn’t be happier with how he is tracking at this stage, “He will relish the 1400m and take great benefit from his first-up run at Geelong”, said co-trainer Trent Busuttin.
We expect the two-year-old to run well as a genuine each-way chance, and having drawn a nice alley in barrier 2, Daniel Moor will be instructed to ride with cover, sit on the speed and be strong through the line.
Archie Alexander-trained Sleepless is set to start over 2400m in the Benchmark 64 (Race 5 – 2:45 pm), and with leading apprentice Will Price on board, he is poised to run a good race.
He heads into this event in great form, and Archie couldn’t be happier with him since his last start, “He has been very bright,” said Alexander.
“His last gallop went really well.” “He has shown ability on a range of track conditions, and the ground shouldn’t worry him.”
All going well, we would like to see him up on the speed, fighting out the finish.
Stablemate Vardani steps out over 1600m in a Benchmark 70 (Race 8 – 4:30 pm). Despite drawing less than ideal in barrier 15, with experienced jockey Damian Lane in the saddle, we are confident that he is in good hands and goes into the race with a nice chance second-up.
Curragh (IRE)
Camelot mare Camphor looks to be well placed for her start at The Curragh on Wednesday night in a 2800m 4yo+ Premier Handicap (Race 6 – 4:05 am Thursday AEST).
With the intention of using the race as a lead in to the Group 2 Curragh Cup at the end of the month, a race she finished third in last year, she looks to be up to the challenge to contest the strong field.
Indeed, she will welcome the lightweight, being handicapped at 7kg under the top weight; her trainer Jessica Harrington is confident that this will set her up nicely to step up to stakes level.
Thursday
Wyong
Comme Bella Fille steps up in trip over 2100m in a Class 1 & Maiden Plate (Race 4 – 1:55 pm) at Wyong on Thursday.
Finishing a close second at Newcastle a fortnight ago and beaten less than a length, her trainer John O’Shea was most impressed with her performance.
The lightly-raced filly bounced through the race and looks to be in good order ahead of Thursday’s assignment.
“I look forward to her getting out over a trip,” said O’Shea, “and with Tommy Berry on board, she will be hard to beat”.
Wangaratta
After missing out on a run at Stawell a week ago due to the washed-out meeting, Archie Alexander wasted no time, placing Milonia to step out over 2000m (Race 3 – 1:30 pm) at Wangaratta on Thursday.
After working well on Friday morning, Alexander believes that although it wasn’t the original plan, it looks to be a suitable race for her.
Ben Allen has been booked to ride, and we expect a good showing from her.
The excitement will continue through the weekend with nine potential runners set to carry the navy and gold silks across Australia and France. Highlighted by Wagga Wagga Gold Cup winner Inverloch and Mr Satchmo nominated for the 2400m Listed Winter Cup at Rosehill, we look forward to another big weekend of racing.
We wish all connections the best of luck!