In what has fast become one of the great days on the Australian racing calendar, OTI will be strongly represented across both Melbourne and Sydney, with three runners taking their place in feature races.
After an ideal preparation to date, Deakin is primed to peak in the Caulfield Cup. His most recent run in the Turnbull Stakes confirmed he’s right on target, finishing just 2.8 lengths from the winner and alongside Saturday’s Cup favourite, Half Yours. Phillip Stokes has carefully mapped out his campaign, and with three runs now under his belt, Deakin should be ready to deliver his best over the suitable 2400m journey. From a favourable draw (7), he shapes as a genuine top-three contender in what looks an open edition of the race outside the favourite.
Deakin finishes 6th in G1 Turbull Stakes last start.
In Sydney, Sam Hawkens and Perfumist contest stakes races and are both expected to be well favoured in the market.
Sam Hawkens is the first of our runners on Everest Day, lining up in the 2600m Group 3 St Leger Stakes. The English-import has settled into his Australian surroundings beautifully, which is no surprise given the experience and success of the travelling Haggas team. James McDonald was particularly impressed with his piece of work last week and takes the ride on Saturday. The son of Galileo looks a lovely prospect for the future and will continue his Australian career with John O’Shea & Tom Charlton following the spring. With some rain currently forecasted for Friday, any give in the ground would aid his chances based on his UK form.
Sam Hawkens wins at Goodwood (UK) last start.
Perfumist, meanwhile, will be looking to back up her dominant last-start victory when she contests the Group 3 Angst Stakes. She appears ideally placed under the set weights + penalties conditions, meeting key rivals from her previous outing better at the weights. Provided she enjoys a smooth run on speed, Saturday shapes as an excellent opportunity to secure valuable black-type.
Perfumist wins last start at Randwick.
Best of luck to connections of each runner, it promises to be a very exciting day for all involved.