OTI are lining up for a big weekend of runners and hopefully, of big results!
Dark Pearl, our latest international acquisition gets the ball rolling overnight with his run at Haydock Park over 2800m. He is a stunning, strong 3YO colt trained by Ed Walker. With only three runs to his name resulting in a 3rd, 2nd and 1st place – we should see an impressive result from this lad. He will be aimed at the Australian Spring Carnival of 2018, and we look forward to seeing him don the OTI colours overnight.
On Saturday we have runners from Morphettville SA, Ruakaka NZ and of course, Flemington. Hardington is set to run at Morphettville over 1950m, his first-up run in Australia at Caulfield at the start of the month was more than satisfactory. He is stepping up toward his preferred distances and has pleased the Gelagotis brothers leading up to this race. We should see this son of Fastnet Rock finish in the money.
Chasing Great will be backing up from his maiden win at Ruakaka over 1600m 2 weeks ago. Not only has this gelding impressed in his win, he has also impressed his trainer Donna Logan with how he’s trained on since. Although he is stepping up in class, we should see another impressive performance from the horse.
Loresho showed his previous form in a good trial on Monday morning against some quality horses, such as the G1 winning Gailo Chop. This black stallion may still need a run or two under his belt to build up to his preferred distance, and better his race-fitness following a 2-year hiatus from the track, the Weir camp are hoping to see an improved performance from Loresho tomorrow.
Master Zephyr, an always consist performer, will be saddled up in the 2000m race at Flemington against stable-mate Loresho tomorrow. Although we haven’t seen this Terang Cup winner in the winner’s circle for some time now, there’s no reason he won’t be making a return tomorrow.
On Sunday we head to Bendigo with Australian Hurdle, Oakbank and Galleywood winning Renew. Weir has kept this gelding fit through a few flat races between his hurdle races, this hurdle race on Sunday over 3600m is another step closer to the Grand National Hurdle on August the 6th at Sandown. Renew is undefeated in his four hurdle starts, winning all by an impressive margin. Again teamed with Johnny Allen, there’s little doubt we won’t see a repeat performance from this talented jumper.
Good luck to all our connections this weekend.
