OTI is set for a busy weekend, with runners across four states on Saturday alone.
The weekend kicks off tonight at Cranbourne with Hardington and Our Bazaar going head to head over 2025m. Hardington has been quite consistent this preparation, with a third and fourth placings in his last two starts, while Our Bazaar returned to the track after a long layoff during the Warrnambool Carnival and ran a solid race.
Our weekend headliner is the notorious Tom Melbourne, who heads to the Group 1 Doomben Cup. Tom Melbourne is in great form and beat home a number of tomorrow’s rivals in the Hollindale Stakes two weeks ago. Corey Brown’s wish of retaining of the ride was granted and the stable expect him to be hitting the line strongly tomorrow.
Looking to make it a family double will be Araaja, the half-sister of Tom Melbourne. She will have her second Australian start for Chris Waller at Rosehill. She has drawn an outside barrier, but the step up to 2000m is in her favour.
Following his last start win at Listed level, Fastnet Tempest will take his place in the 1600m Group 3 R A Lee Stakes at Morphettville. This $250,000 feature is set to be a competitive affair with a number of last start winners. The team at Lindsay Park have been delighted with his work and believe he can overcome the wide gate to be in the finish.
Romanesque will line-up in the 3200m Listed Andrew Ramsden at Flemington. This son of Montjeu has strong form over the longer distances and the 3200m of Saturday’s affair should suit. In his last start, he displayed his staying abilitiy and determination finishing third in the Warrnambool Cup off a two-day back-up.
On Sunday, we head to Bendigo where Mighty Quinn will hope to break his maiden over 1600m for Matt Cumani. Yet another wide barrier for Ben Melham to contend with.
Best of luck to all connections!
