As we near the end of the Spring Carnival, it is another busy weekend for OTI and our partners. On Saturday, a string of OTI horses will feature in Group and Listed races at Sandown, as well as a runner in the Dunkeld Cup. And, on Sunday a promising mare makes her Australian debut at Donald.
Sandown
Last start winner Furioso will contest the Group 2 Sandown Guineas over 1600m (Race 6 – 3:05 pm) for Matt Cumani. The Atlante gelding impressed in his recent win at Cranbourne at just his second career start. While he is stepping up in class, Cumani is happy with his progress and his recent work at home. With Fred Kersley riding from barrier 2, we expect him to put in a good performance and figure in the finish.
San Huberto steps out in the Listed Sandown Cup over 3200m (Race 7 – 3:45 pm) for French trainer Fabrice Chappet, under the care of Matt Cumani. Cumani believes his below-par performance in the Geelong Cup has brought him on and is pleased with how he has been working at Ballarat. The 3200m distance will suit him, and jumping from barrier 9 with Fred Kersley aboard, he should run a big race.
Two runners will carry the navy and gold silks in the Group 2 Zipping Classic over 2400m (Race 8 – 4:25 pm).
Attorney steps out for Matt Smith with Luke Currie riding from barrier 8. The in-form galloper is in fantastic shape and Smith commented that he couldn’t fault him going into the race. He has travelled down from Sydney well, and we expect him to put in a strong performance.
Cranbourne Cup winner, Future Score also contests the Zipping Classic for Matt Cumani. He is off the back of a great performance in the Group 3 Lexus Hotham Stakes on Derby Day and has come through the run well. Cumani is thrilled with his progress this preparation and believes he is ready to put in another career-best performance. Fred Kersley rides from barrier 6.
Romancer races in the Group 3 Eclipse Stakes over 1800m (Race 9 – 5:05 pm). Grahame Begg is exceptionally happy with the Redwood gelding ahead of the race and believes he will run well. He’s drawn the ideal barrier 4, is down in the weights and if the track stays in the good range, conditions will suit him perfectly. With Luke Currie in the saddle, we expect him to be right in the mix.
OTI and Grahame Begg also partner Hasstobegood in the Group 3 Summoned Stakes (Race 10 – 5:40 pm) over 1500m. She has come through her strong 2nd at Cranbourne last start in good order, and Begg is pleased with her recent trial. While she is stepping up in class and has drawn an outside barrier, we think she’ll perform strongly with Glen Boss aboard.
Dunkeld
Southern Rock represents OTI in the Dunkeld Cup over 1800m (Race 6 – 4:01 pm). Archie Alexander has been pleased with his recent work and believes he’ll take improvement from the run. With Neil Farley riding from barrier 4, we expect him to be competitive in the race and are hoping he can get a win on the board.
Donald
On Sunday afternoon, Zipitsweetie makes her Australian debut in a Benchmark 64 over 1620m at Donald (Race 6 – 3:35 pm). Archie Alexander is looking forward to seeing her step out and commented that she is in excellent order going into the race. While she jumps from barrier 13, we’re expecting her to put in a solid performance with Declan Bates in the saddle.
Best of luck to connections!
