Spring is in the air, and we’re looking forward to another busy weekend of OTI runners. On Saturday the navy and gold silks will be carried at Caulfield, Rosehill and Warracknabeal and on Sunday, at Sale and Deauville.
Caulfield
Young Rascal will contest the Quality Handicap over 2000m (Race 5 – 2:10 pm) after missing out on last week’s run due to the washout at Moonee Valley. The exciting stayer is in great shape, and we believe he will be competitive in his first run for OTI and Archie Alexander. John Allen takes the ride.
An OTI trio will compete in the Listed Heatherlie Stakes over 1700m (Race 8 – 4:10 pm). Stablemates Gallic Chieftain and Haky will begin their spring campaigns for the Archie Alexander stable.
Gallic Chieftain is in great form, and Alexander is hopeful that this spring “can be another good prep for him.” Damian Lane will ride the eight-year-old.
Haky is also expected to run strongly with jockey Declan Bates aboard. Alexander commented that he is happy with the horse and that “he will get better the further we go into the prep.”
Mantastic also races in the Listed Heatherlie Stakes for the Chris Waller stable. Whilst he’ll need some luck from the wide barrier, we’re optimistic that he’ll find the line strongly with Damien Thornton riding.
Rosehill
Two OTI horses will look to take out the Group 3 Premier’s Cup over 1900m at Rosehill Gardens (Race 8 – 4:30 pm) in a competitive field.
Azuro returns to the track for the Maher and Eustace stable. He has been working well, and Ciaron Maher commented that “he’s bright, well and ready to kick-off.” He usually takes a run or two to get to his best, so we hope he finds the finish line strongly with jockey Robbie Dolan aboard.
Grey Lion also contests the Premier’s Cup for Matthew Smith. The Galileo gelding put in a gallant effort to finish third last start at Randwick and we’re looking forward to seeing him in the finish. Regan Bayliss is in the saddle.
At Warracknabeal, Barade will contest the Sheep Hills Cup over 2000m (Race 6 – 3:46 pm). Archie Alexander is happy with his recent work and is expecting him to run a big race with Neil Farley steering.
On Sunday at Sale, Doroza contests a BenchMark 64 over 1400m (Race 6 – 3:15 pm). Matt Cumani has been extremely happy with the Medaglia d’Oro gelding and is confident that he’ll put in a strong performance. Apprentice jockey Jaden Lloyd takes the ride.
In France, Kloster is entered to race in a 3yo Class 2 over 1500m at Deauville. Trainer Andrew Hollinshead commented that he was in good shape and we’re hoping he will take improvement from his last start.
Best of luck to all OTI connections with runners this weekend!
