Tom Melbourne’s non-winning streak has been well documented in recent times. While the gelding has competed exceptionally well in some of the countries very best mile races over the past two years, the fact that he has not saluted the judge since his Listed Albury Cup victory has kept him in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
This afternoon at Randwick, Tom’s little sister Araaja will be looking to turnaround the family fortunes by winning on her Australian debut. Now also in the hands of Chris Waller, this daughter of Iffraaj brings to Australia a winning history – something that’s become a little foreign to our Tom.
Trained in France by respected trainer Antoine de Watrigant (who also trained Gailo Chop for OTI Racing), Araaja had two educational races as a two-year-old, finishing 4th and 2nd. Moving into her three-year-old however, the filly really hit her straps for Antoine. She recorded four wins from her first five starts as a three-year-old, with her fourth being in Listed company over 2000m in the Jean Couturie at Vichy.
Her final two races in France were in Group 2 and Group 3 company. They produced midfield, competitive efforts.
Moving to Australia over the summer, Araaja has pleased Chris Waller no end. She trialled recently in good style (although officially last, she was untouched and galloping within herself) and Chris is confident she will acquit herself well today. Click here to view a replay of that trial.
Araaja is entered for her potential sale at Magic Millions if it is deemed at the time that she is ready to commence her broodmare career.
ANZAC Day racing also sees Gallic Chieftain head to Flemington for Race 1 on the card. He is also looking to ‘turnaround fortunes’, as he has had a frustrating time of it lately. Plans for a Sydney Cup run were scuppered late, so this afternoon’s race is his opportunity to bounce back into winning form.
OTI had also hoped to debut our latest additional to the stable, Seven Falls, in the Listed St Leger. However, initially named first emergency, we have seen no scratchings of those in the field and he has not been presented with a run. He could now head to a maiden affair at Geelong on Sunday.
