It’s Derby Day – arguably the highlight of the Australian racing calendar, and we’re looking forward to several horses representing OTI at Flemington, Rosehill and Pukekohe, New Zealand on Saturday and Muswellbrook on Sunday.
Flemington
Two runners will be vying for a spot in the Melbourne Cup when they contest the Group 3 Lexus Hotham Stakes over 2500m (Race 4 – 1:40 pm).
Azuro steps out for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace with Ben Melham riding from barrier 7. The seven-year-old has settled into Maher and Eustace’s Caulfield stable well and is in great shape going into the race. He continues to improve with every run, and we’re expecting him to put in a competitive effort.
Future Score will contest the Group 3 race for Matt Cumani. He pulled up superbly from his Cranbourne Cup win and Cumani is delighted with how he has been working at home. He jumps from barrier 10, and we’re hoping this will allow him to get a nice run. With Fred Kersley in the saddle, we’re anticipating that he will run a big race.
Promising mare Chaillot steps up in class when she lines up in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes over 1600m (Race 5 – 2:20 pm). Archie Alexander commented that she is going into the race in excellent order. While the field is strong, she has a perfect track record at Flemington, and we believe that she is a real chance. Declan Bates rides from barrier 4.
Rosehill
Rider In The Snow will make his Australian debut for OTI when he steps out in a Benchmark 78 over 1900m (Race 4 – 2:00 pm) for Kris Lees. The French-bred six-year-old has pleased Lees with his recent work at his new stable. He will appreciate the soft ground, and we’re hoping to see him hitting the line well. Louise Day rides from barrier 12.
Mantastic races in the Rosehill Gold Cup over 2000m (Race 6 – 3:25 pm) for Chris Waller with Glyn Schofield riding from barrier 9. He has come through his promising 2nd in the Port Macquarie Cup in great shape and has been doing everything right according to the stable. We’re hoping for dry conditions at Rosehill and provided conditions suit; we expect him to figure in the finish.
Sound of Cannons has also accepted for the Rosehill Gold Cup with Robbie Dolan booked to ride from barrier 6. The son of Nathaniel has settled into John O’Shea’s Randwick stables and impressed in his recent trial and work. We’re looking forward to watching his Australian debut for his new ownership group and expect him to run well and take significant improvement from the experience.
Pukekohe, New Zealand
In New Zealand, Vee Cece races in a Benchmark 74 over 2100m at Pukekohe (Race 1 – 10:21 am) for Andrew Forsman and Murray Baker. While she has drawn a tricky barrier, if she runs up to the calibre of her work at home, she should be very competitive. Jonathon Riddell takes the ride.
Muswellbrook
On Sunday, at Muswellbrook, Au Pair contests a Maiden over 1500m (Race 2 – 2:00 pm) for William Freedman. While her recent on track performances have been below par, she is going well, is in good condition and is fit. She will appreciate the softer track at Muswellbrook, and with the blinkers going on, we’re hoping to see a strong display. Mitchell Bell rides her from barrier 11.
Best of luck to connections!
