Ten runners will step out across Australia for OTI and our partners this weekend. The navy and gold silks will be on show at Pakenham, Doomben and Ascot on Saturday and Werribee on Sunday.
Pakenham
Last start winner Doroza contests a Benchmark 78 race over 2000m (Race 3 – 2:00 pm) for Matt Cumani. The Medaglia d’Oro gelding has been working well since his victory a fortnight ago at the same distance. We expect him to handle the step up in grade and he should put in a competitive effort with Fred Kersley riding from barrier 9.
Milestone also races in the third event on the card, for Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young. The stable couldn’t be happier with him and are looking forward to seeing him step up in distance. Jumping from barrier 6 with Nash Rawiller in the saddle, we anticipate that he will be right in the mix.
Night’s Watch returns to the races in a 1600m Handicap (Race 5 – 3:15 pm) for new trainer Archie Alexander. He goes into the race in great shape following a spell and Alexander commented he’s looking forward to getting the Redwood gelding back to the track. While he carries the top-weight, we expect him to run well with Damian Lane booked to ride from barrier 9.
Two runners will represent OTI in the Listed Pakenham Cup over 2500m (Race 7 – 4:35 pm).
Attorney is currently favourite in the race for Matthew Smith. The stable has been delighted with his recent work, commenting that he goes into the race in outstanding order. He has had a consistent preparation, and we’re hoping he can run a big race to conclude his spring campaign. Nash Rawiller is booked to ride from barrier 3.
Haky also features in the Pakenham Cup, for Archie Alexander. While his last start in the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Flemington was below par, he has come through the run with no issues and has been doing everything right at home. With Jamie Kah steering from barrier 6, we are hoping he can bounce back to form.
In the last race on the card, Hasstobegood contests the 1400m Fillies and Mares Benchmark 78 (Race 9 – 5:50 pm). Grahame Begg is thrilled with her work, commenting that she is in superb shape going into the race. We expect to see her hitting the line well with Jordan Childs riding from barrier 10.
Doomben
In Brisbane, Grey Lion steps out in an Open Handicap over 2000m (Race 6 – 4:23 pm AEDT) with Robbie Fradd riding from barrier 10. Matthew Smith commented that he arrived in Queensland in perfect order and demonstrated his nice action in a gallop on Friday morning. A winner at this track two starts ago, we’re hoping to see the nine-year-old put in another strong performance.
Ascot
Veteran galloper Gailo Chop will be looking to end his preparation on a high note in the Group 1 Kingston Town Classic over 1800m (Race 8 – 7:50 pm AEDT). We’re putting a line through his disappointing run in the Railway Stakes a fortnight ago, and all reports from Matthew Williams indicate that he is in great order ahead of the race. He’s drawn the ideal barrier 4, and with Brad Rawiller aboard, we’re hoping to see him figure in the finish in what may be his final race.
Werribee
Pierro gelding Atypical will be looking to get a win on the board in a 2000m Maiden (Race 1 – 1:20 pm). Clinton McDonald commented that he has come through his last start at Pakenham well and is looking forward to stepping him up in distance to 2000m. With Craig Newitt riding from barrier 1, we’re hoping to see a strong showing.
Southern Rock is nominated for Race 3 at Pakenham on Saturday but is likely to run in the Werribee Cup over 2000m (Race 7 – 4:45 pm) on Sunday. Archie Alexander has been pleased with his progress, commenting that his fitness continues to improve. The bigger track at Werribee should suit him, and we’re hoping to see him find the finish line well. Michael Dee rides from barrier 7.
Best of luck to connections!
