An exciting weekend of racing awaits OTI and our partners, with runners at The Valley, Randwick, Sale and Saint Cloud, France over the weekend.
Moonee Valley
On Saturday afternoon, Benitoite will contest the Group 3 Tesio Stakes over 1600m (Race 5 – 1:40 pm). The Americain mare backs up from the Seymour Cup last Sunday, and Clinton McDonald commented that she is in great shape and doing everything right. With the track currently rated a soft 6, she will get her preferred conditions and we expect her to put in a competitive performance. Jordan Childs rides from barrier 8.
Two runners will step out in the Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup over 2500m (Race 8 – 3:30 pm).
Gallic Chieftain contests the race for Archie Alexander, with Damian Lane riding. He has come through his promising performance in the G2 Herbert Power Stakes superbly, and Archie commented that his work this week has been pleasing. While he has drawn the outside barrier, he will appreciate a bit of give in the ground, and we anticipate that he will run a big race.
Selino makes his Australian debut for OTI and Qatar Racing with new trainer Chris Waller. The Champs Elysees gelding has done everything right since arriving from England and impressed in a gallop at The Valley on Tuesday morning. We’re looking forward to seeing Selino step out and expect him to put in a strong showing. William Pike rides from barrier 9.
Randwick
Grey Lion will contest the Listed City Tattersalls Club Cup over 2400m (Race 5 – 3:15 pm) with Kathy O’Hara aboard, jumping from barrier 6. The veteran nine-year-old has come through his win in the Listed Queensland Cup wonderfully according to Matthew Smith. He is in excellent order going into the race, and we expect him to be right in the finish.
Saint Cloud, France
On Saturday night, Auyantepui contests the Group 3 Prix de Flore over 2100m at Saint Cloud (Race 2 – 11:00 pm AEDT). Trainer Mario Baratti is pleased with the Night of Thunder filly, commenting that he felt she had really turned a corner in her work recently. She has drawn barrier 7 with Cristian Demuro riding, and if she runs up to expectations, she should be very competitive in the race.
Sale
On Sunday afternoon Romancer backs up in the Listed Sale Cup over 1600m (Race 7 – 3:55 pm). The Redwood gelding pulled up well from a luckless run in the Seymour Cup last Sunday, and Grahame Begg is pleased with his work this week. With Jordan Childs riding from barrier 11, we believe he is a real chance in the race.
Best of luck to our connections!
