The weekend ahead is a very exciting one with another G1 run for I’m Thunderstruck, this time at Flemington in the Makybe Diva Stakes. We will cheer on returning G2 winner San Huberto, last start winners Hezashocka and Cadazio as well as Romancer in the Listed The Sofitel. We also have good chances at Doomben, with three horses competing in the same staying event.
Saturday, September 10
Ruakaka (NZ)
Current Track Rating: Good
Seven Twenty
Seven Twenty is a talented, lightly-raced mare who had to overcome a few hiccups as a 3yo. She’s had a solid grounding back on home soil and should prove quite competitive first-up, though she’s expected to improve for the outing. We still hold stakes ambitions for the mare, so would hope to see her in the mix in this grade.
Race 1 – 10:05am | 1400m BM65 | T: Shaun & Emma Clotworthy | J: Masa Hashizume 56kg | Barrier 8 | Saddlecloth 5
Doomben
Current Track Rating: Soft
Barade
Barade is in a terrific vein of form, heading into this race following a top effort in the Gold Coast Cup. 2200m is a real sweet spot for the 8yo gelding, who once again has pleased Jack Bruce between runs. He has to give plenty of weight to a couple of OTI stablemates but is a proven Saturday/Group-class performer.
Race 2 – 12:23pm | 2200m BM90 | T: Jack Bruce | J: Jim Byrne 59kg | Barrier 10 | Saddlecloth 1
Corncrake
Corncrake has built through his preparation nicely to date and this looks another good stepping stone. Off such a long layoff, we feel this run should help him find his peak for a 2400m contest next time out, but he’s a classy individual who can prove very competitive with the light weight.
Race 2 – 12:23pm | 2200m BM90 | T: Matthew Smith | J: Kyle Wilson-Tyler 52.5kg | Barrier 7 | Saddlecloth 5
Stuck With You
Stuck With You returned to form in dominant style last time out, winning the Tygalgah Cup in great style. He should have taken a lot of confidence from that win and from barrier 1, we expect to see him race in a prominent position. He deserves his place in this race and is one who once he finds winning form, generally makes the most of it!
Race 2 – 12:23pm | 2200m BM90 | T: Matthew Dunn | J: Brodie Loy 55kg | Barrier 1 | Saddlecloth 4
Flemington
Current Track Rating: Soft
Hezashocka
Hezashocka returns to the races after a short let-up leading into his Spring campaign. While he will be better suited over further, a forward showing would not surprise with residual fitness on his side.
Race 2 – 1:05pm | 1700m Handicap | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr. | J: Ms Jamie Kah 55kg | Barrier 2 | Saddlecloth 12
San Huberto
San Huberto returns to the track for the first time in 18 months, after an injury enforced layoff. He has prepped up well for his return, although is sure to take great benefit from the run. A galloper with plenty of talent, we are most excited for the preparation ahead.
Race 2 – 1:05pm | 1700m Handicap | T: Matt Cumani | J: Dean Yendall 59.5kg | Barrier 10 | Saddlecloth 5
Romancer
Romancer heads into Saturday’s race healthy and well, but will need to be at his best to be competitive in what appears a strong edition of the Listed The Sofitel. We are hopeful that he can show us that he still has the zest for racing on Saturday.
Race 4 – 2:20pm | 1400m Listed The Sofitel | T: Grahame Begg | J: Dean Yendall 54kg | Barrier 9 | Saddlecloth 9
I’m Thunderstruck
The highlight of the day comes in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes, where I’m Thunderstruck will start a worthy favourite on the back of a terrific first-up effort. Having shown a liking to the Flemington circuit in the past, he is sure to be better suited in Saturday’s race. Let’s hope that he is afforded the breaks at the right time and that we can see his customary strong finish!
Race 5 – 2:55pm | 1600m Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr. | J: Mark Zahra 59kg | Barrier 1 | Saddlecloth 1
Cadazio
Promising 3-year-old Cadazio rounds off the day at Flemington, as he kicks off his campaign towards what will hopefully culminate in a VRC Derby. Saturday appears a nice starting point for the son of Tarzino, who will be ridden quietly with the view of hitting the line strongly.
Race 9 – 5:25pm | 1400m Listed Exford Plate | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr. | J: Ms Jamie Kah 57kg | Barrier 13 | Saddlecloth 14
Sunday, September 11
Sale
Current Track Rating: Good
Struck Twice
Struck Twice, the brother of I’m Thunderstruck and a talented young stayer in his own right, makes his race return at Sale on Sunday. With a Derby path in mind, we hope to see him building through his gears late.
Race 3 – 2:05pm | 1400m Maiden | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr. | J: Patrick Moloney 57kg | Barrier 8 | Saddlecloth 10
Dubbo
Current Track Rating: Heavy
Cloudland
Cloudland returns as a more mature 4yo, having been given time to let his first racing preparation sink in. He was a very impressive winner on debut despite doing little right in the straight, but hopefully after two tractable trials this time in we can see a better behaved individual. His class should take him a long way on resumption.
Race 6 – 4:17pm | 1300m BM58 | T: Kris Lees | J: Aaron Bullock 59.5kg | Barrier 11 | Saddlecloth 4
Best of luck to all connections!