Group 1 racing returns in Melbourne this week, and while we don’t have a horse in the feature race at Caulfield, it’s a busy weekend for OTI and our partners with runners in Group 2 and Group 3 races around Australia.
Friday
We’ll be looking to begin the weekend on a high note at Warrnambool on Friday evening when last-start winner Cake Walker races in a Benchmark 58 over 1700m (Race 8 – 5:20 pm). The Ciaron Maher & David Eustace stable are delighted with her work ahead of the race, particularly her strong gallop on the course proper at Caulfield on Tuesday morning. With apprentice jockey Alana Kelly riding from barrier six, we expect the mare to be very competitive and figure in the finish.
Saturday
At Caulfield on Saturday, three runners will carry the navy and gold silks.
Following an ultra-impressive debut, I’m Thunderstruck steps up in grade to contest the Group 2 Autumn Stakes over 1400m (Race 4 – 2:25 pm). Michael Dee, who rides him on Saturday, put him through his final paces on Tuesday morning and reported that he was pleased with his action. The Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr trained gelding is in lovely order ahead of the run, and while he is up against stronger competition, we expect him to run very well.
We’re looking forward to seeing Happy Pharrell kick off his preparation in the Group 3 Carlyon Cup over 1600m (Race 6 – 3:35 pm). The French-bred gelding hasn’t raced since April 2019 after sustaining a tendon injury. Since completing his rehabilitation program at Matthew Williams’ Warrnambool base, he has returned to work in excellent order with the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace stable. His recent trial was pleasing and, while he will need the run, we hope to see a competitive effort. John Allen rides from barrier eight.
Night’s Watch also lines up in the Group 3 Carlyon Cup, for Archie Alexander with Declan Bates in the saddle. The seasoned galloper has been doing everything right in his work at home and trialled impressively at Geelong last week, finishing 3rd behind Cox Plate winner Sir Dragonet. Jumping from barrier ten, he will benefit from a tail into the race. With luck, we expect him to be in the finish.
Sunday
The following day, Declan Bates and Archie Alexander partner up with Barade, who steps out in the Group 3 Hobart Cup over 2400m (Race 9 – 4:47 pm). The gelding is in a rich vein of form and has come through his win in the Magic Millions Shoot Out at Eagle Farm in superb order. The race is an ideal assignment for him, and we expect him to be very hard to beat. Provided everything goes to plan, he will head to the Group 3 Launceston Cup in a fortnight.
To finish the weekend, Trench Warfare races in the final event at Ballarat, a Benchmark 64 over 1600m (Race 8 – 5:30 pm). The four-year-old is second-up following an encouraging run at Pakenham last start. Matt Cumani highlighted that he has taken significant improvement from his first-up run and believes he’ll put in a strong performance. His regular rider Fred Kersley jumps from barrier three.
Best of luck to connections!
