It will be a relatively light weekend for OTI owners, as many of our horses prepare for spring. In Australia, for the first weekend of the new season, OTI colours will be carried at Gold Coast and Sandown. In Europe, we’ll see OTI runners in Leopardstown, Ireland and Sandown, England.
AUSTRALIA
On Saturday Penshurst will contest a Class 3 Handicap over 1800m (Race 5 – 1:58 pm) at Gold Coast for the Matthew Dunn stable. After a five-week freshen up, he steps back in trip and we expect him to find the finish line strongly with Emily Atkinson in the saddle.
Tigre Royale looks to make it four wins in a row on Sunday when he races in a 2400m BM78 (Race 4 – 1:55 pm) at Sandown. Archie Alexander has been pleased with his recent work and he is expected to run a big race with Damian Lane aboard.
EUROPE
On Friday night, Eaglemont will race in a 3yo+ C&G Maiden over 2400m in Leopardstown, Ireland (Race 6 – 12:35 am AEST). Joseph O’Brien believes the course and distance will suit the colt, in what shapes up to be a competitive maiden. Declan McDonogh takes the ride.
In Sandown, England, Tippler will compete in a 1600m 3yo Class 5 race on Sunday. Sir Mark Todd is happy with how the horse has improved off his last run and he should perform well with jockey Shane Kelly on board.
Best of luck to all connections!