An exciting weekend ahead with runners across three different states, the highlight being Regal Lion in the G2 Tulloch Stakes. The weekend action will kick off tonight, with two runners at The Valley.
Friday, March 25
The Valley
Current Track Rating: Good
Wicklow Lass
Sourced from New Zealand with the help of Phill Cataldo in December last year, Tom Dabernig has done a terrific job in bringing along this progressive filly. After winning impressively on debut, she steps up to stakes level at just her second start, where she gets her chance to gain some valuable black-type.
Race 3 – 7:15pm | 1200m Listed St Albans Stakes | T: Tom Dabernig | J: Blaike McDougall 56kg | Barrier 2
| Saddlecloth 9
Inverell
A highly talented son of Shocking, Inverell will look to make amends for his last start defeat. With some slight gear adjustments and the services of Jamie Kah from a soft draw, we are confident that he can bounce back and return to the winners circle.
Race 6 – 8:45pm | 2040m BM64 | T: Clayton Douglas | J: Jamie Kah 61kg | Barrier 2 | Saddlecloth 1
Saturday, March 26
Rosehill
Current Track Rating: Soft
Regal Lion
The New Zealand Derby 3rd place-getter commences his Australian campaign at Rosehill, looking to emulate the feats of fellow OTI-stablemate Quick Thinker. Although still far from the finished product, we expect him to acquit himself well and hopefully put his hand up as a live chance in the Australian Derby a week later.
Race 4 – 2:00pm | 2000m Group 2 Tulloch Stakes | T: Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman | J: Nash Rawiller 56kg | Barrier 15 | Saddlecloth 1
Mornington
Current Track Rating: Good
Harmysian
After taking a preparation to acclimatise to the Australian way of racing, Harmysian’s first-up effort suggests he is now ready to put his best foot forward. Aided by natural improvement and a step-up to a more suitable journey, we are hopeful that he can build off his encouraging return.
Race 5 – 2:55pm | 2000m Benchmark 84 | T: Clayton Douglas | J: Jake Noonan 56kg | Barrier 1
| Saddlecloth 6
Doomben
Current Track Rating: Soft
Never No More
A model of consistency this preparation, Never No More heads to Doomben this weekend where we hope he can put his first Australian win on the board. Despite the gap between runs, Matt Dunn has the gelding in great shape ahead of Saturday’s assignment. A win would be greatly deserved for both the horse and owners, who have remained very patient with the six-year-old.
Race 9 – 6:08pm | 1350m Benchmark 85 | T: Matthew Dunn | J: Ms Cejay Graham 57.5kg | Barrier 9
| Saddlecloth 1
Sunday, March 27
Ballarat
Current Track Rating: Good
Armansky
Lucky to have escaped a last start fall with only a few minor cuts, Armansky is now ready to head back to the races. Matt Cumani has been very happy with the gelding’s work since the incident and believes that we can get him back on track this Sunday.
Race 4 – 3:05pm | 2000m Maiden Plate | T: Matt Cumani | J: Jordan Childs 59.5kg | Barrier 14
| Saddlecloth 1
Enosi
In the same event as Armansky, lightly-raced stayer Enosi steps up to 2000m for the first time, a trip which he is sure to relish. Unlucky not to have finished closer last start, he is expected to be right in the mix on Sunday.
Race 4 – 3:05pm | 2000m Maiden Plate | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: John Allen 59.5kg | Barrier 4 | Saddlecloth 2
Notes
Back on a firmer surface, we expect to see significant improvement from Notes after a rather disappointing first-up run. With more in his favour on Sunday, we hope to see a forward showing from this gelding, whose form in New Zealand would be well and truly up to this level.
Race 8 – 5:25pm | 1600m Benchmark 64 | T: Lindsey Smith | J: Jarrod Fry 58.5kg | Barrier 12 | Saddlecloth 9
We wish all of our connections the very best of luck this weekend!