Following victories far and wide over the past week – NSW, Victoria, France and Ireland, plus a top run by Mirann to finish 4th at Royal Ascot last night, a number of interesting runners step out for OTI owners this weekend.
The better chances are Haky at Flemington and Eidolon at Bendigo. Owners will also look on with anticipation to see how Montabot and Ashim go in their first starts in Australia.
Good luck to all our owners around the world.
SATURDAY
Rosehill
Track currently rated a heavy 8.
Ashim ( Race 6 – 2.25 pm, over 1300m, saddle cloth 9, 56kgs, barrier 5, jockey Jason Collett, trainer Matt Smith)
This stunning looking horse presents for his first race start in Australia. He is likely to need a couple of races before he is up to his right distance range of 1600m plus.
Mr Satchmo (Race 7 – 3.05 pm, over 2000m, saddle cloth 4, 55.5kgs, barrier 4, jockey Jay Ford, trainer Chris Waller)
To date, this horse has had little luck in Australia. However, given the more suitable conditions for him in this race, we are looking for a significant improvement as he prepares for a 3200m event in two weeks.
Montabot (Race 9 – 4.25pm, over 1500m, saddle cloth 11, 57kgs, barrier 15, jockey Jay Ford, trainer Matt Smith)
This fellow trialled well recently; however, the 1500m of this race is well short of his ideal distance. Therefore, the race will be a stepping stone to longer journeys of 2000m plus where he will be more competitive.
Flemington
Track currently rated a soft 7.
Haky (Race 2 – 12.20 pm, over 2500m, saddle cloth 1, 59kgs, barrier 8, jockey Ben Allen, Trainer Archie Alexander)
This enigmatic galloper is very well placed in this race. From the front, he will try to dictate the pace to enable him to finish strongly. Archie Alexander says his work has been very good, and he goes into the race with a live chance.
Ipswich
Track currently soft
Inverloch (Race 7 – 3.17 pm, over 2150, saddle cloth 1, 60.5kgs, barrier 8, jockey Larry Cassidy, trainers Busuttin/Young)
This grand campaigner gets a chance to add another stakes race to his portfolio. Natalie Young has been delighted with his work in Brisbane and sees the horse having an excellent chance despite the weight disadvantage given to his opposition.
SUNDAY
Bendigo
Track currently rated a heavy 8.
Eidolon (Race 4 – 1.25pm, over 1600m, saddle cloth 6, 58kgs, barrier 9, jockey Luke Currie, trainers Busuttin/Young)
This race presents as the ideal chance for Eidolon to break his maiden status. By Charm Spirit and on rain-affected ground, the 3yo should have an even chance.
Sea Crossing (Race 8 – 3.50 pm, over 1600m, saddle cloth 1, 61kgs, barrier 4, jockey Dec Bates, trainer Archie Alexander)
Archie believes that this colt has progressed significantly since his first Australian run. As a result, he is expected to be more competitive in this race, albeit it is still short of his best distance.
Pontefract UK
Track is currently rated good.
Camphor (Race 4 – 12.25 am Monday morning, over 2400m, saddle cloth 2, 9 stone, barrier 2, jockey Cam Hardie, trainer Jessie Harrington)
With the rain expected, Camphor should have ideal conditions to register her first stakes win. Already stakes placed, the beautiful Camelot mare is poised to add to be broodmare value with a top run.
