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OTI Trio Headed to the Andrew Ramsden

The feature race of the weekend includes the Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes over 2800m at Flemington which is a race that now acts as a ballot exemption for the Melbourne Cup. OTI is represented by three runners including Azuro, Instigator and Fairlight. Our three race candidates are all fit and raring to go, all coming off the back of some solid race finishes.

Fairlight has had a good campaign so far, already taking out a win for his new trainer Kris Lees and is primed for this distance. A true stayer, he should find the 2800m a breeze. Azuro is also primed for the run, stepping out this start for the Maher and Eustace team with a set of blinkers, in an effort to sharpen him up once they come into the straight.

Below: Fairlight winning at Kembla Grange

All reports for Instigator are that he has come on well since his great run at Warrnambool. Despite not heading to Morphettville as planned last weekend, Aaron Purcell has ensured the work has been kept up to the horse and he strips fitter coming into the weekend.

Here’s hoping we can find a winner amongst the trio and be heading to the 2019 Melbourne Cup!

Our other runners at Flemington include Araaja and Dark Pearl in the BM84 over 1800m. Both in training with Chris Waller, he has ensured Araaja has been kept fresh this time around, changing up her work and getting her ready to rise to the challenge in competing against the opposite sex. Joining her is Dark Pearl who has disappointingly drawn wide, jumping from barrier 15 of 18. As a result, he will be ridden conservatively by Oliver, asked to switch off before working his way into the clear as they straighten – giving him every chance to perform well.

Below: Dark Pearl running a solid second at Flemington this preparation. 

In what has been an absolutely incredible campaign for this horse, Le Juge steps out at Eagle Farm this Saturday to take on the “people’s champion” in that of Tom Melbourne. With both horses in fine form, the stablemates line up in Saturday’s Group 3 Lord Mayor’s Cup over 1600m at Eagle Farm.

Trainer Chris Waller has been impressed by their recent work, commenting that the weights will make things interesting given all bar one horse in the field will be carrying 59kg. Le Juge will have Robbie Fradd back in the saddle and Tom Melbourne will combine with his Australia Day winning jockey Blake Shinn. In what looks to be an exciting contest, we are hoping to see an OTI quinella – as we all know who is likely to be hitting the line in second place…

Also at Eagle Farm is Master Zephyr who is set to contest the Group 3 Premier’s Cup for Tony Haydon and the team. He ran a super race last start when running second behind Le Juge two weeks ago and has trained on well. The extra distance should suit and he is sure to give a strong account of himself.

 To Ireland over the weekend, Downdraft is in flying form for trainer Joseph O’Brien and heads to the Curragh to contest a handicap over one mile and two-furlongs. With a strong field to contest, the distance will suit Downdraft perfectly and will be an ideal stepping stone for his next start at Royal Ascot.

Above: Downdraft easing down to win at Naas in Ireland.

To our last runner of the weekend, Inverloch heads to Sandown for the BM84 Handicap over 2100m. Trent Busuttin and Natalie young are impressed with the horse’s last start and felt that he was a run short of his best effort. This Sunday should prove to be a nice fit for this horse and we hope to see him finishing off strongly.

Best of luck to each horse’s connections over the weekend, we hope to be reporting on a few winners in the new week!