Today brings a busy Saturday of racing with OTI horses hitting the track in Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales.
Le Juge is the first of the day contesting a Class 3 on the Sunshine Coast over 1600m. Trainer Chris Waller is pleased with Le Juge’s progress after having placed third last start at Doomben. Stepping out to put his best hoof forward, he will appreciate the long straight.
Shakopee is the second of our Saturday runners also on the Sunshine Coast, looking to advance in the 2400m Handicap. At his home track and up to his preferred distance, Shakopee looks well suited to showcase his race fitness for the Haydon Racing team.
Entourage heads the Victorian arm of the OTI team where she will be looking to break her maiden status at Yarra Valley. Stepping up in distance to the 1500m trip, the Ciaron Maher Racing team are pleased with her progress since her third-place career debut a fortnight ago.
To Morphettville in Adelaide, OTI is represented by two Aaron Purcell trained runners in that of Scherzoso and Stone Warrior. Another South Australian trip for Scherzoso to take on the BM82 over 2250m, he comes up against the horse that beat him to the line by a length last start. We hope to see him go one better today!
After a lengthy lay off due to injury, Stone Warrior steps out in the 1250m BM70 for his first race since October 2017. Pleased with his recent jump outs, Purcell is hoping to see Stone Warrior get back to his winning ways.
At Royal Randwick we have All-Star Mile nominee Tom Melbourne heading to the races for the first time since his Victorian beach freshen up, contesting the Listed Carrington Stakes over 1400m. Tom partners with jockey Blake Shinn who is returning to race riding for the first time since August last year after a catastrophic fall. Having ridden Tom on a number of occasions, he is looking forward to teaming up with the ‘people’s champion’ once more and hoping to go one better!
Also at Randwick is Tavistock gelding Plymouth Road set to jump in the BM88 mile for Matthew C Smith Racing. Heading toward further distances this campaign, the race looks to be the perfect stepping stone, allowing him to strip fitter for the run.
Best of luck to their connections, we look forward to a busy Saturday of racing.