We have an action-packed Saturday line-up of runners this weekend with Inverloch headlining in the Listed Winter Cup at Rosehill, plus the talented Petruchio makes his race return at Flemington.
Saturday
Flemington
Haky kicks off proceedings in the 2500m Quality Handicap (Race 1 – 11:40 am) for Archie Alexander.
The seven-year-old fought on determinedly to finish second over 2000m at Flemington last start, and we expect to see him deliver another strong performance tomorrow from barrier 7 with Ben Allen in the saddle.
Following a long lay-off, Petruchio is set to make his race day return over 1400m in the Benchmark 78 (Race 3 – 12:50 pm) with Ben Allen on board.
He has been back in Archie Alexander’s Ballarat stables since March and made a lovely return to trial form in May when winning his heat impressively. Petruchio has always shown strong talent, and though he will need this run to regain his race fitness, he certainly looks to be in good order ahead of Saturday’s race.
All can be forgiven following Furioso’s last run, where he suffered from cardiac arrhythmia and dropped out of the race. He has since been sound and well, working positively for Matt Cumani, and we look forward to getting his campaign back on track in the 2000m 3yo Handicap (Race 7 – 3:25 pm). With Damien Oliver in the saddle, he will be given every chance from barrier 10.
Rosehill
Inverloch will have his work cut out for him starting at top weight from barrier 14, though his co-trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young are confident in his ability to deliver a strong performance.
“He is a winter cups horse. He needs a bit of cut in the ground to be at his best,” Busuttin said. “He hasn’t won at 2400m yet but was beaten on the post in the Mornington Cup last year, so I think he will run it out.”
Following his impressive win in the Listed Wagga Wagga Gold Cup last start, he unfortunately wasn’t right to go to Queensland as planned; however, Trent [Busuttin] believes this to be a good race for him as a lead in to the Ipswich Cup later in the month.
“He’s obviously got to carry plenty of weight but he has earned it and I’m sure he will run well.”
— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) June 2, 2021
Trent Busuttin says tactics will be key if Inverloch is to set a weight carrying mark in Saturday’s XXXX Winter Cup at Rosehill.📸Kylie Shaw/Trackpix
READ: https://t.co/NH6nGfkIfi pic.twitter.com/oEbKh4zjKr
Sunday
Agen-le Passage
Our lone runner overseas this weekend, Schwanensee is set to take her place in the 2500m Class 4 (Race 5- 12:00am Monday AEST) at Agen-le Passage for trainer Antoine de Watrigant.
The 4yo mare appears to have trained on well since her seasonal return and is poised to run an improved race. She should get conditions to suit and will hopefully be shedding her maiden status.
We wish all of the OTI runners and connections the best of luck this weekend!