Another busy weekend of racing ahead for OTI, with runners in Australia and overseas. Some highlights of this weekend including Mirann contesting the Listed Lord Mayors Cup at Rosehill and Romancer the Listed Straight Six at Flemington.
Saturday, May 21
Curragh (IRE)
Current Track Rating: Going
Catena Zapata
An impressive last-start winner, Catena Zapata strikes a hotly contested handicap at the Curragh tonight, a race which offers a valuable purse of €150,000. The son of Vadamos has worked strongly leading into this race and is expected to be right in the mix, should the gaps open up for him at the right time.
Race 4 – 3:00am | 1600m Premier Handicap | T: Henry De Bromhead | J: W J Lee 56kg | Barrier 2 | Saddlecloth 19
Rosehill
Current Track Rating: Heavy
Holstein
This gelding appears unlikely to take his place on Saturday, given the poor draw. Should he run, a much improved showing is expected after his disappointing last start performance.
Race 5 – 1:20pm | 2000m 3yo BM72 | T: Matthew Dunn | J: 57.5kg | Barrier 19 | Saddlecloth 4
Mirann
This fellow has had a terrific start to his first full Australian preparation and is expected to improve once again on Saturday. John O’Shea has plenty of time for this stayer and the camp are confident that he can feature, provided he is afforded some luck in running.
Race 7 – 2:30pm | 2000m Listed Lord Mayors Cup | T: John O’Shea | J: Reece Jones 53kg | Barrier 10
| Saddlecloth 12
Hasstobegood
It has been a frustrating preparation with this mare, who continues to race well despite crying out for firmer ground. Once again, she appears unlikely to get conditions to suit on Saturday and may well be saved for another day.
Race 8 – 3:05pm | 1200m F&M BM78 | T: Joseph Pride | J: Ms Rachel King 58kg | Barrier 7 | Saddlecloth 10
Flemington
Current Track Rating: Good
Toregene
To read Matthew Williams’ thoughts on this filly’s chances on Saturday, click here
Race 4 – 1:35pm | 1400m 3yo Fillies BM72 | T: Matthew Williams | J: Declan Bates 56kg | Barrier 3
| Saddlecloth 11
Dick Whittington
Having failed to handle the testing conditions last time out, Dick Whittington will appreciate getting onto a better surface at Flemington on Saturday. A Group-level stayer at his best, we are confident of a more positive showing this weekend, although he’ll be better suited over a staying journey.
Race 6 – 2:45pm | 1800m BM84 | T: Matthew Smith | J: Harry Coffey 55.5kg | Barrier 1 | Saddlecloth 12
Sous Les Nuages
After giving this import an acclimatisation preparation, Matt Cumani is hoping that Sous Les Nuages can put his best foot forward this time in. Saturday looks a nice kick-off point for this stayer, who will improve with racing under his belt.
Race 6 – 2:45pm | 1800m BM84 | T: Matt Cumani | J: Jordan Childs 56.5kg | Barrier 8 | Saddlecloth 8
Romancer
A winner of this race last year, connections are hopeful that Romancer can repeat the dose. The 8-year-old looks to be going as good if not better than last year, on the back of an impressive trial win on Monday.
Race 7 – 3:25pm | 1200m Listed straight Six | T: Grahame Begg | J: Jordan Childs 57.5kg | Barrier 12
| Saddlecloth 6
Warracknabeal
Current Track Rating: Good
Eidolon
Saturday’s race presents as an ideal opportunity for this 3-year-old to return to the winner’s circle. Provided he runs up to his best, he should be very hard to beat in this grade of race.
Race 7 – 4:21pm | 1600m 0-58 | T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | J: Michael Walker 60kg | Barrier 3
| Saddlecloth 2
Sunday, May 22
Lingfield (GB)
Current Track Rating: Good
Mercian Hymn
A stayer on the rise, Mercian Hymn will appreciate getting out to the 2400m trip after an excellent return effort. This weekend’s race looks an ideal stepping stone towards bigger targets.
Race 2 – 2:45am | 2414m Class 4 | T: Mark Todd | J: C Bishop 61kg | Barrier 2 | Saddlecloth 2
Sandown
Current Track Rating: Soft
Marchons Ensemble
This imported gelding has shown great improvement through each preparation he has had on Australian shores, and it appears as though now, he is putting it all together. A repeat of his strong last start win should see him being very competitive again on Sunday.
Race 6 – 2:45pm | 2100m BM78 | T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | J: Jordan Childs 58kg | Barrier 3
| Saddlecloth 5
Sunshine Coast
Current Track Rating: Heavy
Taaffeite
The step up to 2200m will be much to this mare’s liking on Sunday, having being caught a touch flat footed in her last start. If she handles the heavy conditions, she should be making her presence felt in this grade.
Race 5 – 2:51pm | 2200m BM58 | T: Matthew Dunn | J: Andrew Mallyon 59.5kg | Barrier 4 | Saddlecloth 2
Best of luck to all connections!