Once again, seven OTI horses will contest stakes races today, many with top chances. We see the returns of Chaillot (dual-stakes winner), Auyantepui (Group 2 Italian Oaks winner) and Holstein, a talented son of Snitzel having his first start in the OTI silks.
Saturday 25th of September
Sandown
Current Track Rating: Good
Harbour Views
Off the back of his last start Listed The Sofitel win, Harbour Views is once again expected to be in the mix in this valuable Group 3. He has done nothing but please trainer Matthew Williams since that run, so we hope to see an equally impressive performance.
Race 5 – 2:30pm | 1500m Group 3 Sandown Stakes | T: Matthew Williams | J: Dean Yendall 57.5kg | Barrier 6 | Saddlecloth 3
Romancer
Last Saturday’s Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes was a non-event for this consistent galloper, who had little luck in running. Grahame Begg has been happy with the gelding throughout the week, hence the decision to back him up. With even luck, it would not be a surprise to see him bounce back and figure in the finish.
Race 5 – 2:30pm | 1500m Group 3 Sandown Stakes | T: Grahame Begg | J: Jordan Childs 57kg | Barrier 7 | Saddlecloth 4
Chaillot
This quality mare looks poised to run very well on return, though the 1300m is at the bottom end of her distance range. Her fresh record is outstanding, so if she can handle the undulations at Sandown and find herself on the outside in the straight, we would expect to see her customary strong finish. Hopefully the mare can lay a foundation for a second tilt at the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes.
Race 8 – 4:25pm | 1300m Listed Testa Rossa Stakes | T: Archie Alexander | J: Declan Bates 54kg | Barrier 2 | Saddlecloth 6
Auyantepui
Though a good deal of patience has been required, it will be great to see our Group 2 Italian Oaks-winning mare make her Australian debut. Archie Alexander believes the mare will need the run, but her progress over the past few weeks gives us confidence of an exciting preparation ahead. Should she recapture her Italian form, we could see her contest a race like the Group 2 Matriarch Stakes later this campaign.
Race 9 – 5:05pm | 1800m Benchmark 84 | T: Archie Alexander | J: Declan Bates 57.5kg | Barrier 2 | Saddlecloth 9
Harmysian
This well performed French stayer is having his second Australian start, though the 1800m journey will prove short of his best in time. He’s drawn to get an economical run and will hopefully be holding a good gallop to the line. An improved performance will give us confidence as he steps out to more suitable distances.
Race 9 – 5:05pm | 1800m Benchmark 84 | T: Clayton Douglas | J: Jamie Mott 57kg | Barrier 7 | Saddlecloth 10
Rosehill
Current Track Rating: Good
Dick Whittington
Heading into this race fourth up, we are hoping to start to see the best of Dick Whittington. He finds himself at his preferred distance, is drawn well and carries a competitive weight. Hopefully, we can see him figure in the finish.
Race 4 – 1:40pm | 2400m Group 3 Colin Stephen Quality | T: Matthew Smith | J: Jason Collett 54kg | Barrier 2 | Saddlecloth 5
Sound of Cannons
After taking a while to acclimatise to the Australian way of racing, this talented gelding has started to hit his straps and appears ready to feature in a quality race. If he’s relaxed in running, we would expect him to be finishing off strongly. A win in this race would open up a range of options in the spring.
Race 4 – 1:40pm | 2400m Group 3 Colin Stephen Quality | T: John O’Shea | J: Glen Boss 53kg | Barrier 7 | Saddlecloth 11
Young Rascal
Though his form on paper leaves a lot to be desired, Young Rascal gave owners a glimmer of hope last week when finding the line soundly over the last 100m in the Kingston Town Stakes. Now at full fitness and up to his right distance, we need to see a competitive showing.
Race 4 – 1:40pm | 2400m Group 3 Colin Stephen Quality | T: Richard & Michael Freedman | J: Sam Clipperton 55.5kg | Barrier 8 | Saddlecloth 4
Holstein
This exciting son of Snitzel steps out for the first in the OTI silks as he tackles a quality sprinting field. A winner over 1200m at the midweek’s as a 2yo, we expect him to be improved for a rise in distance later this campaign. Having worked well leading in, we hope to see him closing off nicely late.
Race 5 – 2:15pm | 1100m Listed Heritage Stakes | T: Matt Dunn | J: Robbie Dolan 56kg | Barrier 3 | Saddlecloth 8
Sunday 26th of September
Mornington
Current Track Rating: Soft
Montabot
In search of soft conditions and a suitable race, Montabot has been sent down to Victoria for a ‘hit and run mission’. Having his fifth start of the preparation, we hope to see him running a bold race up on pace.
Race 1 – 12:55pm | 2400m BM70 | T: Matthew Smith | J: Damien Thornton 60.5kg | Barrier 4 | Saddlecloth 3
Curragh
Current Track Rating: Good
Rollet
The open spaces of the Curragh are sure to suit this son of Kingman, who showed good ability when finishing 2nd on debut. This will be his final run before travelling to Australia, so it would be fantastic if he could go out on a positive note.
Race 4 – 12:00am Monday AEST | 2000m Maiden | T: Joseph O’Brien | J: Declan McDonogh 9st 7lb | Barrier 9 | Saddlecloth 9
The postponement of the Benalla Cup meeting on Friday has made for some additional OTI runners on Sunday, with both Barade and Tigre Royale taking their place in the Cup, and Eagles Crag featuring on the undercard. To read more about their chances, click here.
We wish our connections around the globe the very best of luck!
