With five runners at five different tracks, it promises to be an exciting first weekend of racing in 2023 for OTI connections. Talented three-year-old stayer Full Of Sincerity will make his debut in the OTI silks on Sunday as he plots his path towards a New Zealand Derby.
Saturday, January 7
Rosehill
Current Track Rating: Soft
Tip Of The Spear
Tip Of The Spear will make his Australian debut on Saturday for Annabel Neasham. The imported gelding has acclimatised well so far in Sydney, so we are looking forward to seeing him get his campaign underway. Saturday’s 1500m journey looks a nice starting point for the 5yo, who is expected to show his best over staying trips. In saying that, he has displayed a nice turn of foot in his short career to date, so a forward showing first-up would not shock.
Race 8 – 4:40pm | 1500m CG&E BM78 | T: Annabel Neasham | J: Regan Bayliss 57kg | Barrier 11 | Saddlecloth 8
Sandown
Current Track Rating: Good
Sous Les Nuages
Sous Les Nuages continued his consistent form last start, with a most encouraging second placing in Saturday grade. He meets a similar field this weekend, although will need a touch of luck to slot in early from the wide draw. Hopefully, with the right run in transit, we can see him go one better tomorrow.
Race 8 – 5:00pm | 2400m BM78 | T: Matt Cumani | J: Daniel Moor 58.5kg | Barrier 14 | Saddlecloth 4
Gold Coast
Current Track Rating: Soft
Mirann
Mirann drops back to 1400m on Saturday in a bid to see him finding the line better. Matt Dunn has kept this fellow fresh since that run, so we are hopeful that a change in his routine will spark some improvement. Saturday’s race looks a competitive contest, so he will certainly need to put his best foot forward.
Race 9 – 6:12pm | 1425m BM85 | T: Matt Dunn | J: Kerrin McEvoy 55kg | Barrier 5 | Saddlecloth 11
Sunday, January 8
Pukekohe (NZ)
Current Track Rating: Good
Full Of Sincerity
Exciting 3yo Full Of Sincerity will step out in the OTI silks for the first time on Sunday. Phill Cataldo recommended this youngster after an impressive last-to-first victory at Avondale in November. The form out of that race has since been franked, with the runner-up winning by over 5 lengths at his next start. Should Full Of Sincerity continue to progress the right way this preparation, the New Zealand Derby in the first week of March will be his ultimate goal.
Race 4 – 12:20pm | 1500m 3yo SW+P | T: Andrew Forsman | J: Opie Bosson 57kg | Barrier 9 | Saddlecloth 3
Warrnambool
Current Track Rating: Good
Dyerville
Dyerville runs at his home track on Sunday, looking to put together consecutive victories. He steps up in grade here, but showed a strong turn of foot to win in good style last time out. From a soft draw with the services of in-form jockey Dean Yendall, he should be afforded every chance to make it two on the bounce on Sunday.
Race 8 – 5:25pm | 1700m 0-64 Handicap | T: Matthew Williams | J: Dean Yendall 60kg | Barrier 4 | Saddlecloth 1
Best of luck to all connections!