With 11 runners stepping out at racetracks across the globe, the first weekend of spring looks set to be a big one for OTI and its partners.
OTI will feature in two races at Caulfield. Master Zephyr and Tall Ship will back up and run in the 2400m Open Handicap after running at Moonee Valley last week. The Weir stable believes they’ll relish the backup and expects them to run well.
Night’s Watch, Fastnent Tempest and Scherzoso are all set to line up in the 1400m Open Handicap. Night’s Watch caught the eyes with his first-up run in a fast-finishing second. He defied the tempo in arguably inferior ground. With that run under the belt, he does look a great chance to go one better.
Fastnet Tempest heads to Caulfield on the back of two robust trials. This son of Fastnet Rock has shown his fondness for the track. He won 1400m the Listed Anniversary Vase there during the autumn. The Hayes team suggests he’s a good each way chance.
After nearly a two-year layoff Scherzoso returns to the track. This 7-year-old gelding has had some injury setbacks but has thrived since moving to Aaron Purcell’s Warrnambool stable. The beach environment, along with Aaron’s patience sees him heading into tomorrow’s run in excellent order.
Two Chris Waller-trained horses will be lining up at Randwick. After a lack of suitable races in Victoria, Instant de Reve has headed to Sydney to contest a mile race. This former French galloper ran well in his first Australian start and should be running through the line well.
Joining Instant de Reve at Randwick will be the infamous Tom Melbourne. He’ll run in the 1400m Group 2 Tramway Stakes. After a career littered with second place finishes, he’ll be looking to break through and return to the winners’ circle after a 29-month/25 run hiatus.
It’s argued within the Waller’s stable whether it’s easier to get 26 consecutive wins (Winks) or 26 consecutive losses (Tom).