Following an unlucky run in the Noblesse Stakes at Leopardstown, Camphor backs up in the Listed Victor McCalmont Memorial Stakes (1900m) at Gowran Park (R7 – 4:15am AEST).
After not enduring a tough run, the Jessica Harrington trained 4yo mare has come through the race at Leopardstown well. With even luck, the team in Ireland expects a strong showing.
Blue Ocean (R4 – 1:30pm) put in one of the performances of the day over 2000m at Flemington last start. In his first attempt over the distance, the 3-year-old son of Ocean Park made up several lengths on the eventual winner over the final furlong to record an eye-catching 2nd.
Phillip Stokes continues to be impressed by his progressive stayer and believes he has derived a great level of improvement out of the run. Saturday’s race leads into the Mahogany Challenge Final on July 4.
Romancer improved sharply second up, out to 1400m last start. After looming as the winner in the closing stages, the son of Redwood was narrowly denied in the final strides.
Drawn the outside barrier for jockey Jordan Childs, he will again race over 1400m (R8 – 4:00pm). Grahame Begg couldn’t be happier with his condition and forecasts another competitive run from the six-year-old as he prepares for the Winter Championship Final.
My Swashbuckler contests a 1600m BM78 at Randwick (R8 – 3:45pm) in what is just his second Australian start.
As the 5-year-old continues to acclimatise, Kris Lees is working on having the French import relax in the early stages of his races. Glen Boss (barrier 3) has been booked to ride.
At Donald, 3-year-old filly Au Pair has drawn wide as she looks to break her maiden. Racing over 1624m (R3 – 12:36pm), the daughter of Shocking will jump from barrier 14 for Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young.
Best of luck to all partners across the weekend.