OTI has a rich history of Geelong Cup day success (Bauer, Ibicenco and Gatewood all Cup winners) and hope to add further to that this Wednesday, with four runners across the card including two in the feature event.
First up on the day is 6yo mare Comme Bella Fille, who after an unlucky run at The Valley last start recovered well and will now take her place in the BM70 over 1700m.
“I actually was pretty pleased with her first run for me. She jumped well and put herself in a nice position, however he couldn’t really get a crack at the race after being held up and losing a bit of momentum. She pulled up well and I think we have a horse that is in a really good head space and coming along nicely.”, comments Clayton Douglas after the race.
Beau Mertens will take the ride on the mare on Wednesday.
See the full field and all race details here.
In the main race, we have two contenders. Amade and Timour will each step out in the 2400m Geelong Cup in what looks a strong edition.
Amade, who has shown his competitiveness again this preparation, comes third up into the race after a solid run in the Group 3 Bart Cummings last start. Trainer Phillip Stokes couldn’t be happier with the 10yo.
“He’s a happy horse and willing to do it. His work at home has been very pleasing, he really liked the softer track last start so hopefully we can get a little bit of that on Wednesday.”
Zac Spain, who works closely with the horse at the stables, will take the ride on Amade.
Also joining the field will be Timour, who has been enjoying his training at the new facilities at Macedon Lodge under Chris Waller.
“His race at Sandown first up over 1800m was a good kick-off point to his preparation. He travelled well throughout and picked up well, sustaining a solid effort all the way to the line. Michael Dee was pleased with his return and the horse will be more competitive over further distance.”, says Chris Waller in his post race update to owners.
Should Timour be competitive in the race on Wednesday he is likely to go onto the 2800m race at Flemington on Cup Day.
See the full field and all race details for the Geelong Cup here.
To top off the day, we could have Belthil cotesting Heat 6 of the Melbourne Cup Carnival series. A top two finish would qualify him for the series final on Oaks Day at Flemington.
“A great win last start with Harry Coffey on board and it showed how tough the horse is. Great to get a well deserving city win for him. He pulled up well after the race and we’re going to back up at Geelong and hopefully secure our spot in the final on Oaks Day.”, says trainer Andrew Bobbin to owners.
A winner at the track in the past and only two starts into his campaign makes him a valuable chance for the race. Hopefully he can again show his toughness.
Click here to see the full field and all race details.
Best of luck to all connections of all our runners on the day!
