A rather quiet weekend awaits OTI owners as some of our winter campaigners search for more success, before we head into a busy spring season in a few weeks’ time.
Saturday, August 12
Eagle Farm
Current Track Rating: Good
Eaglemont
Eaglemont is looking to make it back-to-back wins following his deserving Highway success a few
weeks ago. He looks to have really blossomed over the past month and we’re looking to make the
most of that. He strikes a more competitive race here but is racing in good form, has trained on well
and should have taken good confidence from his win in Sydney.
Race 3 – 12:53pm | 1500m Class 6 | T: Matthew Dunn | J: Ben Thompson 56.5kgs | Barrier 8
| Saddlecloth 5
The Valley
Current Track Rating: Good
Dyerville
Dyerville was fair last time after having clear excuses the start prior in Adelaide. We feel he’s better
suited when he can get his toe in, so if the rain doesn’t arrive at The Valley, he’ll likely be saved for
the 1600m Benchmark 64 at Sandown next Wednesday. It’s often hard for horses to recapture form
after a hiccup in a preparation, but he appears to be in good shape at home.
Race 4 – 1:35pm | 1600m BM70 | T: Matthew Williams | J: Daniel Moor 58kgs | Barrier 8 | Saddlecloth 10
Sunday, August 13
Coleraine
Current Track Rating: Soft
Rider In The Snow
Rider in the Snow’s jumps return was sound last weekend in an unsuitably run affair, and that outing
should have topped him off fitness wise. By all reports, he’s bounced through that run very well and
this could be a good opportunity for him to be in the finish. A competitive effort would see him
primed for a shot at the JJ Houlahan, scheduled in the final jumps meeting of the year at Ballarat in a
fortnight’s time.
Race 3 – 1:50pm | 3300m 0-114 Hurdle | T: Symon Wilde | J: Aaron Kuru 71kgs | Barrier 1 | Saddlecloth 3
Moe
Current Track Rating: Soft
Indented Head
Indented Head will only run if she gets genuine soft/heavy conditions. If that was to happen, she
does look to be very well favoured in this field. She was a shade flat second up on firming ground
and we know forgiving track conditions are the key to her. She’ll also have a tongue tie applied,
which seems to have had a positive effect at home. Should we not get the right ground, there are a
number of options for her over the next fortnight.
Race 10 – 4:55pm | 1600m BM58 | T: Phillip Stokes | J: Daniel Moor 60kgs | Barrier 9 | Saddlecloth 8
Sunshine Coast
Current Track Rating: Soft
Melanin
Melanin gets out to 1800m on Sunday, which looks a very suitable rise in trip, particularly in this
grade. He was good when winning first up and his last run had merit, he just raced like a horse
looking for further and was back on the inferior ground. If Annabel isn’t happy with the race shape
and field come Sunday morning, there is also a suitable event for him in Queensland next
Wednesday. He’ll need to keep improving but is poised to do so out in distance.
Race 8 – 5:00pm | 1800m BM60 | T: Annabel Neasham | J: James Orman 57.5kgs | Barrier 12
| Saddlecloth 11
Best of luck to all connections!