OTI enjoyed a most successful ‘weekend’ period, with 3 winners within 36 hours spread across Victoria, NSW and France.
The period started a little early, with Revolver’s strong finishing effort at Geelong on Friday afternoon included in this ‘weekend’ wrap. Having just his fifth start with Archie Alexander and John Allen, Revolver has barely put a foot wrong in his career to date with his record extended now to two wins and two placings.
On Friday, he received a super ride from John Allen. Settling behind the speed, the race unfolded well for him and he was allowed to come to the outside to make his charge. Taking a little time to wind up, as is customary for him, he charged late and snatched the win from the jaws of defeat.
Suited by further and wetter tracks, the Warrnambool Carnival looms as the next target. Owners will head that way with confidence that Revolver can continue on his winning ways.
Revolver wins at Geelong last Friday.
An abandoned meeting at Gosford on Thursday led Hampden to Newcastle on Saturday for his re-scheduled 2200m Class 1 & Maiden attempt. With three runs under his belt in Australia, Hampden was deemed ready to win, and he did that with something in hand for John O’Shea and Tom Charlton, with Keagan Latham in the saddle. Hampden took up a prominent run in transit and looked the winner a long way from home.
With the confidence of a win now under his belt, it certainly would not surprise to see Hampden string a few wins together as he races through his classes.
Hampden wins well at Newcastle on Saturday.
Attention turned to France in the wee hours of Saturday night/Sunday morning, with Annabel’s Ghost, following a pep talk from his little friend Oaral, returning to winning form second-up for Andre Fabre and Maxine Guyon at Fontainebleau.
Annabel’s Ghost had run well on resumption, finishing third at the same track in March. Back a touch in distance and down in grade, he proved too strong for his rivals and was a comfortable winner. A Listed race over a suitable staying journey is likely to be sourced as a next target and he should show himself to be most competitive.
Annabel’s Ghost and Oaral.