Group 1 racing returns this weekend, with I’m Thunderstruck set to fly the flag for OTI. Promising Puissance de Lune colt Spirit of Gaylard is also set to resume, which makes for an exciting few days ahead.
Friday, February 11
Canterbury Park
Current Track Rating: Soft
Hasstobegood
A very talented mare on her day, Hasstobegood has shown all the signs at home that she can get back to her best this preparation. She is sure to improve from the outing and a step out to 1400m, but we hope to see her closing off well.
Race 5 – 8:30 pm | 1250m 5yo&Up BM78 | T: Joe Pride | J: Regan Bayliss 57kg | Barrier 3 | Saddlecloth 7
The Valley
Current Track Rating: Good
I Am Ready
Following a game effort facing the breeze up the straight at Flemington last start, I Am Ready deserves another chance in city grade. Though she’ll need luck from the outside draw, Jamie Kah will no doubt help the mare find a rhythm early and can hopefully ride her second winner for us this week.
Race 6 – 8:45 pm | 1200m F&M BM64 | T: Lloyd Kennewell | J: Jamie Kah 58.5kg | Barrier 8 | Saddlecloth 7
Dundalk (IRE)
Current Track Rating: Good (Poly)
Catena Zapata
After an inconsistent season in 2021, Catena Zapata is out to start his campaign on a positive note, returning to a track and distance that he enjoys. Though Henry feels this son of Vadamos will take great improvement from the run, he’s given him a good each-way chance.
Race 5 – 5:00am Saturday ADST | 1600m 4yo&Up Hcp | T: Henry de Bromhead | J: Billy Lee 9st 10lb | Barrier 13 | Saddlecloth 5
Saturday, February 12
Caulfield
Current Track Rating: Good
Spirit of Gaylard
Last start Flemington Listed winner Spirit of Gaylard makes his much anticipated return as he stakes his claim for a tilt at the Group 1 Australian Guineas. His lead up work suggests he’s come back a more mature horse, and a horse who would not surprise us if he could feature in a big race this autumn. He is a special colt to so many!
Race 2 – 1:15 pm | 1400m Group 2 Autumn Stakes | T: Mitch Freedman | J: Jordan Childs 58kg | Barrier 5 | Saddlecloth 2
I’m Thunderstruck
Little needs to be said about I’m Thunderstruck’s quality after he took out the Group 1 Toorak Handicap and $5m Golden Eagle in just his second racing preparation. It’s been widely publicised that our star galloper heads into his return underdone, but those in racing know class goes a long way. He will be ridden quietly from the wide draw, with the Price/Kent Jnr team just wanting to see him close off the race well as he builds up towards the All-Star Mile.
Race 8 – 5:05 pm | 1400m Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | J: Jye McNeil 59kg | Barrier 11 | Saddlecloth 1
Doomben
Current Track Rating: Soft
Haky
Although Haky’s form this campaign on paper doesn’t make for attractive reading, Matt Dunn is convinced the gelding is in a good space, and is ready to make his presence felt on race day. The step beyond 2000m is a major positive, and he’s sure to enjoy the soft draw and more open spaces of Doomben. A top four finish would be most pleasing, as we’d expect to see the best of him fifth up over a longer journey.
Race 3 – 2:17 pm ADST | 2030m Class 6 Hcp | T: Matthew Dunn | J: Ryan Moloney 60kg | Barrier 3 | Saddlecloth 2
Newcastle
Current Track Rating: Good
Akatino
This gelding has struggled to find form in Australia, but his best two runs have been at this track. He will appreciate the good surface and with a positive ride, he should be in a position to feature here third up.
Race 7 – 4:21 pm | 1600m BM64 | T: Matthew Smith | J: Lee Magorrian 57kg | Barrier 7 | Saddlecloth 7
Sunday, February 13
Werribee
Current Track Rating: Soft
Aquilo
This son of Frankel slowed slight improvement at Geelong last start and now finds an ideal opportunity to step up and figure in the finish. The 2600m journey poses no concerns, and in this grade of race, would be disappointing those connected if he’s not in the placings.
Race 4 – 2:50 pm | 2600m 0-58 Hcp | T: Matt Cumani | J: TBC 60kg | Barrier 9 | Saddlecloth 1
We wish all of our owners the very best of luck!
