Another exciting weekend kicks off with Toregene at Cranbourne’s Friday night meeting, leading us into a busy Saturday with a fourth Group 1 outing for I’m Thunderstruck this campaign. We also have numerous other Group and Listed runners in Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales on Saturday.
Friday, October 7
Cranbourne
Current Track Rating: Soft
Toregene
The lightly-raced Toregene kicks off her campaign following a highly promising first preparation. She has trialled well in the lead up to her return and despite the testing conditions, class should take her a long way. A top two finish would see her book her spot in the $500,000 Country Series Final at Flemington on Oaks Day.
Race 8 – 9:15pm | 1400m BM64 | T: Matthew Williams | J: Dean Yendall 59.5kg | Barrier 8 | Saddlecloth 10

Saturday, October 8
Caulfield
Current Track Rating: Soft
Lady Laguna
Lady Laguna has been a model of consistency this preparation, despite not putting a win on the board. With conditions to her liking and a strong front running jockey aboard, she should have every chance to once again be in the mix at the business end.
Race 3 – 1:25pm | 1200m Group 3 Thoroughbred Club Stakes | T: Annabel Neasham | J: Tim Clark 56kg | Barrier 9 | Saddlecloth 4

Attorney
Attorney heads back to the races on Saturday after overcoming a minor hiccup. He is expected to benefit from the run however we do hope to see him doing his best work through the line. A wet track would force a change of plan.
Race 5 – 2:35pm | 2400m Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes | T: Matthew Smith | J: Craig Newitt 53.5kg | Barrier 12 | Saddlecloth 10

Harmysian
Harmysian has been in good form this preparation and continues to thrive on racing. This is a tough ask given the weight scale, but he deserves a chance at some spring riches. Given he has been most effective on firmer surfaces, he is likely to be saved for another day if the track enters the heavy range. The 2400m BM84 on Wednesday would be a lovely back up option.
Race 5 – 2:35pm | 2400m Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes | T: Clayton Douglas | J: Damien Thornton 53kg | Barrier 13 | Saddlecloth 15

Regal Lion
Regal Lion could not have been more impressive in his last start victory at Sandown, displaying a devastating turn of foot from the rear of the field. He gets in well at the weights here and we think he is capable of handling the step up in distance and class. Much like his OTI stablemates, a wet track could force a change of plan.
Race 5 – 2:35pm | 2400m Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes | T: Annabel Neasham | J: Blaike McDougall 54.5kg | Barrier 7 | Saddlecloth 9

I’m Thunderstruck
I’m Thunderstruck heads to the Group 1 Might And Power on Saturday, in what looks a Weight-For-Age contest of the highest degree. With an economical run in transit, we are hopeful that he can tick the 2000m box and warrant himself a start in the Cox Plate. You can expect to see him closer in running, also.
Race 7 – 3:50pm | 2000m Group 1 Might And Power | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr. | J: Mark Zahra 59kg | Barrier 1 | Saddlecloth 2

Morphettville
Current Track Rating: Soft
Big Story
Big Story steps into Listed level, although finds himself in a race lacking some depth. He performed below expectations last time but a poor blood picture offered up an excuse. His work since has been very good, so we hope to see him keep the Derby dream alive with a forward showing here.
Race 5 – 2:47pm | 1800m Listed Hill Smith Stakes | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr. | J: Todd Pannell 57kg | Barrier 4 | Saddlecloth 2

Eagle Farm
Current Track Rating: Good
Barade
Barade has had a terrific preparation so far in Queensland, combining with Jim Byrne to win twice in his past four starts. The drop in weight is a big positive and should we see a genuinely run race, we feel he has every chance of winning again. The month between runs poses no concerns. If anything, it aids his chances!
Race 6 – 3:43pm | 2412m Listed Queensland Cup | T: Jack Bruce | J: Jim Byrne 55.5kg | Barrier 1 | Saddlecloth 2

Randwick
Current Track Rating: Heavy
Coppleson
Coppleson is a rapidly improving type, deserving of his place in this Group 3 event. His effort against the older horses last time out was most encouraging and he’ll strip fitter again for his second time at 1800m. The draw makes things a bit trickier but if they’re getting out wide towards the end of the day, he’s more than capable of closing off strongly.
Race 7 – 4:10pm | 1800m Group 3 Gloaming Stakes | T: Chris Waller | J: Brenton Avdulla 56.5kg | Barrier 13 | Saddlecloth 9

Sunday, October 9
Ballarat
Current Track Rating: Heavy
Chiaro
Chiaro’s debut didn’t live up to expectations, given his previous 20L trial win. He appears to have his mind on other things but will be afforded another chance as a colt to show his wares. If not at Ballarat, he’ll run at Echuca on Tuesday, with a positive ride expected!
Race 1 – 1:15pm | 1000m Maiden | T: Matt Cumani | J: Declan Bates 57kg | Barrier 11 | Saddlecloth 7

Guido
Guido was a dominant and deserving winner last time out, now ready for the step into benchmark grade. Should the race proceed on the grass, it looks a very suitable next target. The rise in trip only helps and he’s done nothing but please since his win.
Race 5 – 3:40pm | 2600m BM64 | T: Mitch Freedman | J: Ms Tahlia Hope 58.5kg | Barrier 11 | Saddlecloth 7

Penola
Current Track Rating: Soft
Erskine Falls
Erskine Falls’ return at Coleraine was serviceable, and the step to 1700m looks to suit. She finds herself in a weaker race and now with a run under her belt, we’d like to see her be competitive. She appears to have improved her manners, which hopefully helps her on race day.
Race 2 – 2:40pm | 1700m Maiden | T: Andrew Bobbin | J: Jess Eaton 57kg | Barrier 11 | Saddlecloth 7

Best of luck to all involved!