OTI’s busy weekend of runners begins in Europe overnight with Nicolas Clement trained Olinda having her first career start. The 2yo maiden over 1800m at Evreux looks to be a great starting point for this filly who has developed beautifully over the northern hemisphere summer. We are excited to see this half-sister to Australian-based stayer Ormito hit the track.
Below: Olinda looking the goods at Nicolas Celement’s yard in France.
At Caulfield, Night’s Watch will contest the 1400m Open Handicap which sees him as the top-weight. His new trainer Chris Waller has been nothing short of pleased in the horse since the start of his preparation. Waller was rewarded with his patience, when Night’s Watch finished second, cruising on the bridle in a recent trial. Teo Nugent takes the ride and we hope to see them finishing well.
OTI will be well represented in the Listed Heatherlie Stakes at Caulfield, with Lord Fandango and Gallic Chieftain having their first-up runs this campaign. They’re joined by the in-form Benitoite who steps up in class. Five wins on the board from seven career starts for this filly, she has an impressive resume leading into her first stakes level contest. Both Archie Alexander Racing trained Gallic Chieftain and Lord Fandango are looking for further, but should be finishing off strongly. They will take immense benefit from the run leading into their spring targets.
Below: Lord Fandango in full flight with Ben Allen aboard.
After significant rain over the last few days in NSW, Sydney is looking a touch waterlogged for Quick Thinker and Grey Lion. Now based in Australia for spring, Baker and Forsman trained Quick Thinker has come on well since his stunning victory in the NZ Champagne Stakes as a 2yo. The Group 3 Ming Dynasty over the 1400m journey will be a solid step-up in class, however, the now 3yo colt has proven he has what it takes to contest the Australian Spring Group races.
Grey Lion heads to the Group 3 Premier’s Cup Matthew Smith and is feeling well leading into tomorrow’s race. He will be looking for further than 1900m, although will relish the wet conditions. Hard-held to the line by regular jockey Kathy O’Hara in his recent trial, the 8yo son of Galileo will be doing his best work late.
To Eagle Farm in Queensland, Kellstorm and Savvy Acqusition go head to head in the BM75 over 2400m. Kellstorm is backing up a week since last start after travelling from Sydney to Brisbane and is looking to secure a win this preparation. After recently breaking his maiden for Tony Haydon, Savvy Acquisition takes a step up in class and journey. A true stayer, he should relish the added distance.
Below: Savvy Acquisition winning his maiden in QLD.
Condamine is the sole representative for OTI in South Australia, heading to Morphettville for the 1950m BM86. In just a field of eight, the race is a step up in class, giving him the bottom weight of 54kg. He has gained plenty of race-day fitness from his first three starts this preparation for Matt Cumani and we hope to see a good performance from this Irish-bred gelding.
Best of luck to all involved with our runners this weekend!
