The weekend ahead is a very exciting one with the first Victorian G1 of the season being run at Caulfield. OTI will cheer on Golden Eagle winner I’m Thunderstruck in the G1 Memsie Stakes, and looks forward to the return of Adelaide Cup winner Daqiansweet Junior.
Saturday, August 27
Rosehill
Current Track Rating: Soft
Corncrake
Corncrake’s return from a very long layoff a fortnight ago was most pleasing. It is expected he’ll once again need this outing to bring his fitness along and remove some rust from the system, but he has continued to please Matthew Smith between outings. Hopefully he’s finding the line well again.
Race 3 – 12:45pm | 2000m BM78 | T: Matthew Smith | J: Tim Clark 58kg | Barrier 3 | Saddlecloth 6
Caulfield
Current Track Rating: Soft
Romancer
Veteran-galloper Romancer steps out in what looks a competitive affair. Grahame Begg has been very happy with him in the lead up to Saturday, however he will need some luck in running from the tricky draw.
Race 4 – 2:10pm | 1400m Handicap | T: Grahame Begg | J: Michael Dee 56kg | Barrier 13 | Saddlecloth 7
I’m Thunderstruck
To read more about the chances of I’m Thunderstruck on Saturday, click here.
Race 8 – 4:45pm | 1400m G1 Memsie Stakes | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | J: Mark Zahra 59kg | Barrier 9 | Saddlecloth 1
Daqiansweet Junior
To read more about the chances of Daqiansweet Junior on Saturday, click here.
Race 9 – 5:20pm | 1700m Listed Heatherlie Stakes | T: Phillip Stokes | J: Ms Jamie Kah 57.5kg | Barrier 9 | Saddlecloth 5
Warracknabeal
Current Track Rating: Soft
Petruchio
Petruchio has trained on well since his last start victory and strikes another suitable race on Saturday. Should the track dry up as expected, he should once again be very competitive in this field.
Race 7 – 4:26pm | 2000m Sheep Hills Cup | T: Archie Alexander | J: Declan Bates 59kg | Barrier 10 | Saddlecloth 4
Sunday, August 28
Curragh (IRE)
Current Track Rating: Good
Catena Zapata
If Catena Zapata settles, he is capable of running a race in this valuable handicap. Hopefully he switches off with cover in the early stages and shows the turn of speed we know he possesses.
Race 6 – 1:15am | 1600m Irish Cambridgeshire | T: Henry de Bromhead | J: R. Colgan kg | Barrier 17 | Saddlecloth 15
Devore
Devore steps into handicap company for the first time, something that is expected to aid her chances. She appears a type who will be better next season but has shown enough at home to suggest she can be winning at 2.
Race 8 – 2:25am | 1400m 2yo Handicap | T: Johnny Murtagh | J: Ben Coen kg | Barrier 7 | Saddlecloth 6
Deauville (FR)
Current Track Rating: Good
Intuitu
Intuitu has been slightly below his best at his two starts in the OTI silks. A more positive ride and the potential application of headgear is expected to be of assistance. He is a talented colt in the hands of a stable in very good form, so we hope to see him bounce back here.
Race 1 – 9:58pm | 1900m 3yo Class 2 | T: Jean-Claude Rouget | J: 57kg | Barrier | Saddlecloth 8
Best of luck to all involved!
