This weekend will see the navy and gold silks feature at Ascot, Ballarat, Sunshine Coast and Kembla Grange on Saturday, and Quirindi and Kilmore on Sunday.
Saturday
The day is highlighted by three-time Group 1 winner Gailo Chop stepping out in the Group 1 Railway Stakes over 1600m (Race 8 – 7:40 pm AEDT) at Ascot, Western Australia. The veteran galloper has impressed in his work during a five-week freshen up after two fair performances in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes and Group 1 Caulfield Stakes. While he jumps from the outside barrier, we expect him to be very competitive with Brad Rawiller in the saddle.
At Ballarat, Inverloch flies the flag for OTI in the Listed Ballarat Cup over 2000m (Race 8 – 4:25 pm). While things didn’t go according to plan for him in the Bendigo Cup, the Busuttin and Young stable commented that he is bright, happy and that they can’t fault him. While he would prefer a bit more cut out of the ground, we expect him to put in a strong effort with Daniel Stackhouse riding from barrier 5.
At Kembla Grange in New South Wales, Sound of Cannons contests a Benchmark 78 over 2000m (Race 3 – 2:10 pm). The John O’Shea trained son of Nathaniel has come through his first-up run well and the stable commented that while he is still learning, he is making wonderful progress. He will need a bit of luck from barrier 18, however, he’s very fit and with Tommy Berry riding we’re anticipating that he will run well.
In Queensland, Le Juge returns to the races in the Mooloolaba Cup over 1600m at the Sunshine Coast (Race 8 – 6:10 pm). The Chris Waller-trained galloper is first-up after a break, and the stable commented that he returns in superb order. We’re hoping he can perform well fresh and expect to see him find the finish line strongly with Luke Dittman riding from barrier 15.
Sunday
Au Pair races in a 1450m Maiden at Quirindi, New South Wales for Will Freedman (Race 2 – 1:50 pm). The stable is happy with her progress, remarking that she put in her best piece of work this week. She showed a strong effort to finish second last start, and we’re hoping she can break her maiden status for a patient group of owners this weekend. Ben Looker rides from barrier 7.
At Kilmore, Doroza steps out in a 2000m Benchmark 64 for Matt Cumani (Race 4 – 3:25 pm). He has come through his last start at Flemington on Stakes Day in good order and Cumani commented that he is delighted with him ahead of the race. Fred Kersley rides him from barrier 9, and we’re expecting him to be right in the mix.
Best of luck to connections!