As the Australian Autumn Racing Carnival’s slow down, our internationals are starting to take over. A highlight of this weekend will be Under Your Spell competing in the Group 1 HSH Princess Charlene Empress Club Stakes in South Africa, as well as Tigrais returning in France in the Group 3 Prix de la Grotte. Hopefully the two girls can win for the team!
Saturday, April 15
Morphettville
Current Track Rating: Good
Sous Les Nuages
Sous Les Nuages continues to handle his racing well and will head across the border on Saturday, a recipe which has been successful for him in the past. It has been some time between wins for this fellow, so hopefully we can see him break through in what looks a suitable race on Saturday.
Race 2 – 12:37pm | 2500m BM82 | T: Matt Cumani | J: Declan Bates 56kg | Barrier 5 | Saddlecloth 5
Werribee
Current Track Rating: Heavy
Sardonian
Sardonian steps up to the mile for his second career start, after a luckless run on debut. Matthew Williams has always held a good opinion of this 3yo, so we are looking forward to seeing what he can do up to a more suitable trip. With even luck in running, he should be acquitting himself well on Saturday.
Race 2 – 1:16pm | 1629m Maiden | T: Matthew Williams | J: Patrick Moloney 59kg | Barrier 10 | Saddlecloth 6
Sandown
Current Track Rating: Soft
Bengal Boy
To read more about his chances on Saturday, please click here.
Race 4 – 2:10pm | 2400m Listed Galilee Series Final | T: Matt Cumani | J: Billy Egan 57kg | Barrier 8 | Saddlecloth 7
Eagles Crag
Eagles Crag may take his place at Sandown on Saturday, pending the condition of the track. Now third-up and ready to peak, Archie is keen to ensure that the lightly-raced 6yo has everything in his favour. The horse himself is in lovely order, with his two runs this preparation both being full of merit.
Race 9 – 5:20pm | 1400m BM78 | T: Archie Alexander | J: Michael Dee 57.5kg | Barrier 18 | Saddlecloth 14
Turffontein (ZAF)
Current Track Rating: TBA
Under Your Spell
In South Africa on Saturday evening, Under Your Spell will once again step out at Group 1 level. A premier Group 1 event on the South African calendar, it will be most exciting for connections to have this mare engaged. A win here would be another good boost to her breeding prospects.
Race 8 – 11:40pm | 1600m Group 1 HSH Princess Charlene Empress Club Stakes | T: Sean Tarry | J: Luyolo Mxothwa 60kgs | Barrier 7 | Saddlecloth 2
Sunday, April 16
Terang
Current Track Rating: Soft
Ashim
Ashim should get his favoured conditions at Terang on Sunday, with some further rain forecasted over the weekend. The horse looks a picture of health at home, giving every indication that he is ready to run up to his best on Sunday. Despite the big weight, he should be afforded a soft run from the low draw.
Race 6 – 3:17pm | 1600m BM64 | T: Tom Dabernig | J: Linda Meech 61kg | Barrier 4 | Saddlecloth 1
Extra Elusive
Extra Elusive has continued to improve throughout his first Australian race preparation under the care of Symon Wilde. With a strong front running jockey in Linda Meech engaged on Sunday, he should be able to roll across from the wide draw and make his own luck up on the speed. He has certainly been trending in the right direction in his last two runs, so hopefully he can continue this form on Sunday.
Race 8 – 4:30pm | 2150m Terang Cup | T: Symon Wilde | J: Linda Meech 54.5kg | Barrier 13 | Saddlecloth 4
Curragh (IRE)
Current Track Rating:
Deakin
Talented 3-year-old Deakin may get his campaign underway at the Curragh on Sunday. With Joseph O’Brien holding a good opinion of this colt, it promises to be an exciting season ahead for the son of Australia. Sunday’s race looks a nice starting point for him, although he is expected to take good improvement from the outing.
Race TBA pm | 2000m 3yo Maiden | T: Joseph O’Brien | J: TBA kg | Barrier TBA | Saddlecloth TBA
Paris Longchamp (FR)
Current Track Rating: TBC
Tigrais
Tigrais makes her much anticipated return at Longchamp on Sunday evening. The filly made terrific progression in just her first race preparation, so it will be most interesting to see what she can achieve as a more furnished 3yo. The filly is in great shape, although a close eye will be kept on the track conditions in the lead up to Sunday.
Race TBA pm | 1600m Group 3 Prix de la Grotte | T: Christopher Head | J: TBA 57kg | Barrier TBA | Saddlecloth TBA
Best of luck to all connections for the weekend!