OTI looks to have two terrific chances flying the flag this weekend, Duke Of Ellington and Fastnet Tempest.
Trained by Ciaron Maher, Duke Of Ellington is headed to a 2000M Handicap on his home track at Caulfield on Saturday (Race 6, 2.55pm). The ex-French galloper has enjoyed a successful preparation having won the Grand Handicap at Flemington two starts back before finishing second in the Stawell Cup.
The 5YO gelding heads into Saturday’s assignment in super order having bypassed a trip to Morphettville in preference of this 2000M contest. The Maher stable reported Duke Of Ellington worked very well this week and from a slightly awkward draw he will look to settle midfield and finish off strongly.
A world away at Ascot Racecourse in the UK, Fastnet Tempest will do battle in the wee hours of Sunday morning Race 4, 1AM AST). It’s a high-quality affair over seven furlongs featuring a whopping twenty-seven runners down the famous straight course.
Fastnet Tempest is a highly-talented galloper that possess a few quirks. He looked to have the race ‘shot to bits’ at Newbury most recently when darting two lengths clear before ‘switching off’ over the last 100M.
The 4YO son of Fastnet Rock is certainly testing the patience of champion trainer, William Haggas, but it’s hoped he will race a little more tractably. Fastnet Tempest is to be ridden by the very talented young hoop, Josephine Gordon, who is Britian’s leading female rider.
OTI wishes its partners the best success at both ends of the globe with what appear two very strong chances this weekend.
