With the youngsters starting to hit their straps, OTI looks forward to Thursday, where two of our own will hopefully embark on their journey towards the Blue Diamond at the end of February.
Our Snitzel colt out of the Champion South African Carry On Alice, named Altruist, will make his debut in the Listed Blue Diamond Preview (C&G). Trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr have been very pleased with his work at home and have always felt he was an early-running type.
“His last gallop was really good, we had Beau Mertens to ride and he was very happy with him. He’s quite focused on his work and doesn’t get distracted much,” said Kent Jnr after Saturday’s trackwork. The 2yo colt has had two trials in preparation for his debut run on Thursday, with his second trial being at Sandown after he won his first trial at his home track.
Altruist will start in a field 11 of from barrier 8 on Thursday with Blake Shinn booked to ride. See the full field and all race details here.
2yo filly Elderberry will also make her debut in the Group 3 Blue Diamond Preview (Fillies) on Thursday. She is in training with Anthony & Sam Freedman and has also had two trials, both of which she won in strong fashion.
“She has come through her last trial really good and has been handling her work at home well. She had a gallop on her own last week and relaxed well throughout the first half and built up nicely to line, finishing off strongly. She is in good shape in the lead up to Thursday’s race,” says trainer Sam Freedman.
The daughter of Bolt d’Oro will be ridden by Ben Melham from barrier 5 in a field of 15. View the full field and all race details here.
Best of luck to all of our partners involved!