This weekend sees OTI have the five city runners. Four will line-up at Moonee Valley, while our newest addition is set to take his place over in York.
The action begins with Loresho and Master Zephyr both contesting the 2500m Open Handicap, which is scheduled to commence at 12:25 pm (AEST). Master Zephyr will be aiming to make it two in a row following his fantastic win at Flemington last start, where he ran down his rivals to win by a head. He again will be partnered by young gun apprentice, Benny Allen. Master Zephyr has shown his shown a great appreciation for the Valley, having previously won twice over the same distance. His fitness and form should see him in the finish once again.
Loresho is stepping up in distance up from 2000m to 2500m on Saturday. The import finished a solid 4th in his last up run at Flemington over 2000m, just over 1 length behind the winner, Aloft a Lloyd Williams Melbourne Cup hopeful. 2500m is his preferred distance, and after a patient preparation from Darren Weir, we are now ready to see the best of this 7-year-old black stallion.
The Matt Cumani-trained Grey Lion kicks off his spring campaign on Saturday in a 1500m Open Handicap. This son of Galileo has thrived since spending time down at the Warrnambool beaches under the care of Matty Williams. The horse has been working extremely well, winning his two trials. Ben Melham takes the ride, and the soft track should work in Grey Lion’s favour. His recent work suggests he will hit the line strongly.
Lord Van Percy resumes for his spring campaign at the Valley in race eight against Grey Lion. Being a true stayer, he will find the 1500m Hcp much too short, but it will serve as an excellent first-up run to build his race fitness.
Dark Pearl is set for his run in the Melrose Handicap at York on Saturday night. This stunning colt is one of OTI’s latest acquisitions and impressed in his first up run in our silks, running a strong 3rd at Ascot over 2400m on a heavy track. Out of his four starts, this 3YO trained by Ed Walker is yet to be unplaced, and we expect to see a great performance tomorrow.
Good luck to all involved!