We’re looking forward to a busy weekend of OTI runners in Europe and a slightly quieter weekend in Australia as many of our horses prepare for the upcoming spring.
Our sole runner in Australia is Grey Lion (Barrier 3) who races in the Premier’s Cup Prelude over 1800m (Race 5 – 2:20 pm) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon. Trainer Matthew Smith commented that the nine-year-old is in fantastic shape and we’re expecting him to be very competitive with Kathy O’Hara aboard.
In France, Mr Satchmo (Barrier 3) contests the Group 3 Prix Gontaut-Biron at Deauville over 2000m (Race 4 – 11:50 pm Saturday AEST) for Antoine de Watrigant’s stable. He should take improvement from his last start, where he put in a bold effort to finish 4th in the Group 3 Prix de Vichy. We’re looking forward to watching this run before hopefully making arrangements for him to travel to Australia for the spring.
In Ireland, Mirann is declared to run at Dundalk in a Handicap over 2150m (Race 7 – 1:15 am Sunday AEST). Trainer Johnny Murtagh is pleased with the horse’s progress, commenting that he is in excellent condition and we’re expecting him to put in a competitive effort.
On Sunday, Tippler is entered to race at Newbury in England, in a 1800m 3yo+ Class 5. Coming off a slightly disappointing last start, trainer Sir Mark Todd will look to try different tactics this week with apprentice jockey Saffie Osborne taking the ride.
Paradia is entered to race at Le Lion d’Angers in France in a 3000m Class 3. She will take great benefit from her last start and if she accepts, and should race well on the softer conditions.
Best of luck to all connections!
