A trio of OTI runners from three different stables will descend on Flemington this Saturday.
The Ciaron Maher-trained, Duke of Ellington, has been allotted top weight in the 2000M Grampians Region Handicap (Race 4, 1:28pm). A son of Duke of Marmalade, the 5YO gelding has made a positive start to his Australian career, including a win at the track and distance three starts back.
The Maher stable mentioned after Duke of Ellington’s recent Caulfield outing that they felt the horse is better suited to Flemington. From the wide draw his jockey, Ben Thompson, will balance up in the second-half of the field and attack the line strongly.
OTI has dual representation in the 2520M North East Region Handicap (Race 5, 2:05pm); Nordic Flight and Shakopee.
Ex-German galloper, Nordic Flight, is having his first start for the inform Archie Alexander. The 5YO gelding has settled into his new Ballarat home well and the stable have been impressed with his condition. On the back of a pleasing Avoca trial, an improved run is expected from Nordic Flight.
Shakopee heads into Saturday’s race on the back of a strong win at Sandown. Trainer, Simon Morrish was bullish about the gelding leading into Sandown. His confidence was justified as the 5YO unleashed a powerful turn of foot to win running away.
Simon Morrish is doing a tremendous job both on and off the track in Matt Cumani’s absence. The stable report that Shakopee has thrived heading into Saturday and another competitive run is expected.
As well as a strong hand at Flemington, it is also expected that Pemberley will be hard to beat in the Group 3 Tattersalls Cup at Doomben. It promises to be another exhilarating weekend for OTI partners – we wish everyone the best of luck.
