Another exciting weekend kicks off with Vardani at The Valley at tonight’s Manikato Stakes meeting, leading us into Saturday with the highlight for I’m Thunderstruck this campaign, the W.S. Cox Plate. We also have Coppleson competing in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick as well as a few international runners.
Friday, October 21
The Valley
Current Track Rating: Good
Vardani
Vardani heads to The Valley on Friday night for his second-up run after a pleasing return effort. This fellow was given a nice winter break after sustaining a long preparation last time in. Tonight’s assignment should therefore bring about further improvement as he works towards races over more suitable trips.
Race 6 – 8:45pm | 1600m BM84 | T: Archie Alexander | J: John Allen 59.5kg | Barrier 1 | Saddlecloth 2
Saturday, October 22
Newbury (UK)
Current Track Rating: Soft
Banderas
Lope de Vega colt Banderas looks set to make his race debut this evening. The colt has shown a good level of ability in his work at home, although is expected to take a great deal of learning from tonight’s experience. He is sure to be one to watch down the track as he matures both physically and mentally.
Race 3 – 12:00am | 1600m 2yo Novice Stakes | T: Michael Bell | J: David Egan kg | Barrier 2 | Saddlecloth 13
Randwick
Current Track Rating: Soft
Mirann
Mirann makes his race return on his home track this weekend. John O’Shea believes that he has come back a stronger individual this time in, so we hope to see this improvement reflected on raceday. As long as he is doing his best work late, he should be in for a nice preparation.
Race 5 – 2:50pm | 1600m Handicap | T: John O’Shea | J: Reece Jones 52kg | Barrier 7 | Saddlecloth 9
Coopleson
Coppleson contests Group 1 level for the first time in what is just his fifth race start. Whilst Saturday’s race poses a tough challenge, a positive performance on Saturday may see him back up in the VRC Derby. A horse with plenty of development still to come, there is little doubt he will be further improved in future preparations.
Race 8 – 4:45pm | 2000m Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes | T: Chris Waller | J: Brenton Avdulla 56.5kg | Barrier 3 | Saddlecloth 8
The Valley
Current Track Rating: Good
San Huberto
San Huberto wasn’t afforded much luck at Flemington last start, with the wide run taking its toll late. Provided he gets a more economical run in transit, his best form would see him turn in a much improved performance here.
Race 8 – 4:25pm | 2500m Moonee Valley Gold Cup | T: Matt Cumani | J: John Allen 55kg | Barrier 8 | Saddlecloth 10
I’m Thunderstruck
It’s Grand Final day for our superstar I’m Thunderstruck in Saturday’s W.S. Cox Plate. The Price Kent stable have planned his preparation very methodically, with the horse primed to peak on Saturday. Race tactics will be all important in what is a star-studded lineup.
Race 9 – 5:10pm | 2040m W.S. Cox Plate | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr. | J: Mark Zahra 59kg | Barrier 10 | Saddlecloth 2
Sunday, October 23
Leopardstown (IRE)
Current Track Rating: Soft
Devore
A filly that has continued to improve with racing, Devore will look to make it consecutive victories on Saturday night. With good form coming out of her maiden win, we hope that she can put herself in the mix once again.
Race 3 – 12:35am | 1400m 2yo Fillies Nursery | T: Johnny Murtagh | J: Ben Coen kg | Barrier 3 | Saddlecloth 7
Limerick (IRE)
Current Track Rating: Soft
Catena Zapata
Catena Zapata showed good ability in his first race over the jumps, finishing a close second. With that experience under his belt, he should be primed to go one better on Sunday.
Race TBA | 3200m 4yo+ Maiden Hurdle | T: Henry de Bromhead | J: TBA kg | Barrier TBA | Saddlecloth TBA
Best of luck to all connections!