The Warrnambool Carnival will kick-off on Tuesday and after acceptances OTI will have four runners greet the starting judge.
Sir Walter Scott heads to the 3200M Maiden Hurdle (Race 2, 11.55AM). The 7YO son of Galileo is still honing his craft over the jumps and this is another step in his new career.
Last start winner, Lord Fandango, will tackle the Benchmark 78 over 2350M (Race 4, 1.15pm). The German-bred 4YO entire did his early racing in the United Kingdom before heading to Archie Alexander.
Although seemingly a surprise to most punters given his $71 starting price, Lord Fandango was emphatic over 2000M in his second Australian start. Tuesday will likely provide the galloper his first exposure to rain-affected going, but his trainer reports he’s come on since Ballarat and a competitive run is expected.
Nordic Flight and Gallic Chieftain will represent OTI in the City Of Warrnambool Handicap over 1700M (Race 9, 4.00pm).
Trained by Lee and Anthony Freedman, Nordic Flight was a highly-talented German galloper that has taken some time to acclimatise in Australia. The 5YO gelding was able to win the German Derby Trial and was installed one of the leading contenders in the Group 1 Derby before failing to handle the hard track. On a softer track, it’s felt Nordic Flight will be more competitive second-up.
Gallic Chieftain is an exciting French stayer who took all before him in during his first Australian preparation. This 4YO entire broke the 2000M track record at Pakenham on their Cup Day before an unlucky second at Flemington over the same trip. Stepping to the 2250M in a Benchmark 82 at Morphettville he was electric in winning by 3.1L in fast time.
Gallic Chieftain impressed his trainer, Darren Weir, in a jump-out along the back straight at Warrnambool in late-March. Tuesday’s first up effort will help shape future plans for what looks to be an exciting preparation for this galloper.
OTI is a strong supporter of the Warrnambool Carnival and we again look forward to heading west and enjoying the week. Best of luck to all our owners involved and we hope to enjoy some success.
Click here to view the fields for Day 1 at Warrnmabool.
