This weekend, there’s the running of the Doncaster Mile, Australian Derby, Chairman’s Handicap and the PJ Bell. All will have OTI horses represented. The owners of the horses in each of the races could well have celebrations on Saturday night as most are well-placed to be competitive.
Covid put an end to owners being on track in 2020 when Quick Thinker won the Derby. That won’t be the case this year when they will be there in full force to watch Full Of Sincerity and Mark Twain. Both bring Group 1 form lines from New Zealand (3rd and 4th in the NZ Derby, closing stages below).
SHARP ‘N’ SMART WINS THE DERBY
— TAB Racing (@TAB_Racing) March 4, 2023
Congratulations to @RogersonStables and @RyanEll98744011 and everyone involved pic.twitter.com/lFgPNSK9Tw
I’m Thunderstruck finished 2nd in the Doncaster last year. This year, owners hope to go one better with Cepheus. Winner of the G2 Ajax Stakes, he’s on the minimum weight. With Dean Yendall aboard, a good barrier will do wonders for his chances.
Cepheus wins a ticket into the Doncaster!
— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) March 11, 2023
Strong front-running ride from Nash. @mattydunnracing @nashhot @OTIRacing pic.twitter.com/lli8jmGa9v
In the Chairman’s Handicap, Timour and Athabascan will possibly run. While it would be preferable for Timour to go straight to the Sydney Cup, it looks like he might have to start in the Chairman’s to increase his chances of getting a run in the Cup. Athabascan is still a work in progress as he continues to acclimatise to Australian racing, but it’s felt the rise in trip will suit.
If there’s a mare who deserves to win a Group race, it’s Lady Laguna. She is stakes placed on five occasions but is yet to win one. She’ll hopefully get her chance in the Group 3 PJ Bell Stakes.
Once the celebrations for Saturday are over, owners can look forward to the following week when the Sydney Cup, Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Provincial-Midway Championships Final will have representatives competing.