An exciting weekend ahead with I’m Thunderstruck and Lady Laguna set to represent OTI at Group 1 and Group 2 level respectively.
Friday, February 25
The Valley
Current Track Rating: Good
Rider in the Snow
This gelding is having his first start for the Wilde camp, and will be in need of the run. Physically, he looks as well as ever, so we hope he can figure on either the flat, or over the jumps later this campaign.
Race 5 – 8:15 pm | 2040m BM70 | T: Symon Wilde | J: Alana Kelly 59kg | Barrier 8 | Saddlecloth 1
Vardani
Having been beaten less than two lengths at both Flemington and Caulfield in his past three starts, Vardani finds himself in a very suitable field. Archie feels the gelding is now ready for a staying journey, and with the services of Johnny Allen, who won on the horse at Warrnambool, we’re confident of a good showing.
Race 5 – 8:15 pm | 2040m BM70 | T: Archie Alexander | J: John Allen 59.5kg | Barrier 4 | Saddlecloth 4
Canterbury Park
Current Track Rating: Heavy
Ashim
What has now become clear, is that Ashim prefers softer surfaces, like the one he’ll face at Canterbury Park. Now out to a suitable journey and with two runs under his belt, we expect to see him prove much more competitive. The form from his first few Australian starts on wet ground suggest he is more than up to city grade.
Race 7 – 9:00 pm | 1550m BM72 | T: Matthew Smith | J: Glyn Schofield 58.5kg | Barrier 9 | Saddlecloth 5
Saturday, February 26
Randwick
Current Track Rating: Heavy
Lady Laguna
Unlucky not to be unbeaten, this precocious 2yo is out to prove herself as a worthy Golden Slipper contender. Annabel and the team are confident she’ll appreciate getting out to 1200m, and her trial win in between runs was most pleasing. Having won on a Heavy 10 last campaign, the wet track poses no concern.
Race 3 – 1:35 pm | 1200m G2 Sweet Embrace Stakes | T: Annabel Neasham | J: Hugh Bowman 55.5kg | Barrier 6 | Saddlecloth 3
Caulfield
Current Track Rating: Good
I’m Thunderstruck
Excitement surrounds the second-up run of this star galloper, after he closed off nicely in his return run. With extra fitness under his belt and a likely different race shape, he is expected to be making his presence felt in Saturday’s Group 1. Regardless of the result, the race poses as a perfect stepping stone on his way to the All-Star Mile at Flemington.
Race 6 – 3:45 pm | 1400m G1 Futurity Stakes | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | J: Jye McNeil 59kg | Barrier 7 | Saddlecloth 1
Sunday, February 27
Ballarat
Current Track Rating: Good
Red Muscat
This up and coming 3yo is expected to be right in the mix over the 2000m journey. Sunday’s race presents as a great opportunity for the son of Redwood to further display his staying credentials, with Autumn Derbies still on the cards.
Race 7 – 4:15 pm | 2000m BM64 | T: Archie Alexander | J: Declan Bates 58.5kg | Barrier 4 | Saddlecloth 11
Bordeaux Le Bouscat (FR)
Current Track Rating: Good
Schwanensee
On the back of a narrow last-start second placing, connections are hopeful this consistent mare can go one better on Sunday night. Trainer Antoine de Watrigant has been very pleased with the mare’s form leading into the race.
Race/Time TBC | 1900m Class 3 | T: Antoine de Watrigant | J: Fabrice Veron 54.5kg | Barrier TBC | Saddlecloth TBC
We wish all those involved the very best of luck this weekend!
