Another busy weekend across all states for OTI owners, including an exciting 2yo home-bred debutant at The Valley.
Saturday, July 29
Down Royal (IRE)
Current Track Rating: Good to Soft
Devore
Devore has mixed her form so far this year but has been held back for what shapes as a most suitable option. She’s a one-paced filly but can sustain a good gallop and Johnny is expecting the mile and a quarter journey to be in her favour.
Race 4 – 3:55am | 2075m 3yo+ Handicap | T: Johnny Murtagh | J: Shane Kelly 56.5kgs | Barrier 2
| Saddlecloth 11
Eagle Farm
Current Track Rating: Good
Intuitu
Intuitu raced a touch flat second-up on the quick turnaround after finding the line very well at his Australian debut. Now out to 2400m in a suitable race, we’ll again learn more about the entire, particularly whether he’s going to be as effective on good ground. He’s trained on well, looks a picture and has drawn low down in the weights. It will be disappointing if he’s not in the mix.
Race 2 – 12:03pm | 2400m BM78 | T: Annabel Neasham | J: Damian Thornton 55kgs | Barrier 2
| Saddlecloth 9
Scarlet Tufty
The ever-consistent Scarlet Tufty is knocking on the door of a win, he just needs plenty of favours to be doing so. Again, he’ll find himself in a forward position and is expected to be staying on well. The way he’s racing, he’ll have his day in the sun soon and it won’t shock if it’s this Saturday!
Race 2 – 12:03pm | 2400m BM78 | T: Jack Bruce | J: Justin Huxtable 57.5kgs | Barrier 10 | Saddlecloth 4
Never No More
Never No More returned with a sound effort after getting back in the Ramornie on a day where it was tough to make ground. He looks in fantastic health and has shown plenty of enthusiasm at home. Ideally, he’d get a slightly more forgiving surface but he was placed in Listed grade at this track on similar footing last year. He’s a big price but is more than capable of showing up late here.
Race 9 – 4:22pm | 1400m BM85 | T: Matthew Dunn | J: Andrew Mallyon 60.5kgs | Barrier 1 | Saddlecloth 1
The Valley
Current Track Rating: Good
Auriel
To read more about Auriel’s chances, click here.
Race 1 – 12:45pm | 1000m 2yo C&G Handicap | T: Natalie Young & Trent Busuttin | J: Craig Newitt 55.5kgs | Barrier 8 | Saddlecloth 7
Randwick
Current Track Rating: Soft
Tip Of The Spear
Tip Of The Spear is set to return for his second Australian preparation after a few creditable performances last time around. He’s trialled up well enough this time in but will likely appreciate getting a run under his belt, particularly kicking off over 1800m. He’ll be ridden quietly to finish off, so hopefully we see him doing his best work late.
Race 5 – 1:40pm | 1800m CG&E BM72 | T: Annabel Neasham | J: Ryan Maloney 57kgs | Barrier 12 | Saddlecloth 9
Athabascan
Athabascan has always been held in high regard but has promised more than he’s delivered to date. Now back as a gelding, we’re hoping he can turn that around. A mile is short of his best and he’s the type who will only improve for the outing, but he’s had a nice grounding for this and if it’s run at a genuine gallop, he can work through the line nicely. Looking back, his 3rd in the Listed Canberra Cup makes for good reading with the first two going on to win Group 1’s in that campaign.
Race 9 – 4:10pm | 1600m BM88 | T: John O’Shea | J: Tyler Schiller 60kgs | Barrier 10 | Saddlecloth 1
Morphetville
Current Track Rating: Soft
Chicago Bear
Chicago Bear is racing in better form than the guide suggests, but it still feels like it’s time for him to deliver a very competitive performance. Back to Benchmark 76 grade in Adelaide, he should be a leading chance. His work can’t be faulted leading in so provided he handles his travel well, we’re expecting a bold showing.
Race 6 – 3:22pm | 1600m BM76 | T: Natalie Young & Trent Busuttin | J: Jason Holder 59kgs | Barrier 8 | Saddlecloth 3
Best of luck to all connections!