The Melbourne Spring Carnival kicks off tomorrow with Derby Day at Flemington, with three OTI runners vying for a run in the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday via their entry (and hopefully win) in the Group 3 Lexus Hotham Stakes.
Our first contender Azuro is ready for the challenge in the Hotham Stakes, where the 2500m distance will prove no problem. His continued success at 3200m in both the Stayer’s Cup and Group 3 Queensland Cup has proven his staying ability and we hope to see him performing at his peak in what looks to be a critical race for the coming days of racing.
Below: Azuro winning with Glynn Schofield aboard.
With the Melbourne Cup in sight for another of our solid two-milers, Haky comes into the race this Saturday feeling well and enjoying the rare Melbourne sunshine. A successful run in the Geelong Cup placing third behind OTI’s True Self last start has given Linda Meech plenty of positivity. She was impressed with the horse’s level of fitness and how full of running he was after the line. Tomorrow will be no exception and we are looking forward to seeing them take up the running and finish off well.
A cracking third in the Moonee Valley Cup for Downdraft has him well placed for his second-up run in Australia. Currently sitting at 24 in the order of entries, he has connections on tenterhooks as we await confirmation of a run (Hotham winner pending). Saturday’s race may come up a little too soon as Tuesday looms, so we await the news and a decision as to whether or not Downdraft will run in the Hotham will be made by Joseph O’Brien this evening.
Below: Downdraft winning in Ireland for Joseph O’Brien.
Night’s Watch is looking for an added $500,000 bonus in winning the Group 1 Cantala this Saturday after running second last start in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap. Now eligible for the lucrative bonus, Chris Waller believes he is primed for the race. Night’s Watch is known for his poor race starts and being slow into stride, however, his barrier should aid his running style having drawn barrier nine of sixteen. This will allow him the option of settling mid-field and look to power home late. Waller is hopeful the strong mile at Flemington will prove fruitful for connections.
Also running on Saturday is Rosehill Gold Cup contender Le Juge who steps out over the 2000m journey for the first time this preparation. After a competitive autumn preparation in Queensland, we are hoping to see him settle well and finish off strongly. Waller believes that he will be more effective over such a distance and have a better turn of foot. His ability to settle has improved this time in and we hope to see an improved effort with an economical run from barrier two.
Also on Saturday at Mortlake, French-bred Barade steps out for his second start this preparation to contest the Mortlake Cup. His first-up run over 1400m at Cranbourne was a great start for his initial foray into Australian racing. It was clear from the race he required further and Archie was happy to have him step up in distance. Stripping fitter for the run, we are looking forward to seeing Barade find his feet over the 2000m trip.
On Sunday King of Camelot heads to Mornington for the Peninsula Cup over the mile for the Busuttin and Young team. After his arrival in Australia and a brief autumn campaign, King of Camelot was spelled and brought back a fresh horse to tackle the later spring and summer races. A recent second-place finish at a trial sees him set to kick off his campaign on a positive note. The team are pleased with him going into the race and he looks a picture.
Below: King of Camelot in France.
Best of luck to every runner’s connections and happy racing over the carnival!
