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True Self set for Group 1 Caulfield Cup

True Self will be OTI’s first international runner for the Spring Carnival when she contests the Group 1 Caulfield Cup on Saturday.

The seven-year-old mare has made the field for Willie Mullins and will be ridden by Declan Bates from barrier 4.

True Self has never raced at Caulfield but has an excellent record in her two starts in Australia. During the spring of 2019, she finished 2nd in the Group 3 Geelong Cup behind Prince Of Arran, before winning the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Flemington.

While she has not won since her Queen Elizabeth victory last year, she has contested strong events and has lacked luck in her runs. In her most recent start in the Ebor Handicap at York in August, she missed the start by over ten lengths and her chances were gone.

OTI’s General Manager Shayne Driscoll said they were putting a line through the Ebor run and anticipated she would bounce back to winning form for the Spring Carnival.

“Her thrilling performances last year show us that she relishes running in Melbourne and the word from Willie’s team is that she has settled into Werribee well and has been working superbly,” Driscoll said.

“Whilst this year’s Caulfield Cup is an extremely competitive edition, we’re going into the race with the knowledge that she has the ability to be in the finish from a favourable barrier draw,” he added.

With owners unable to attend the race and Willie Mullins forced to remain in Ireland due to COVID-19, OTI has looked to connect owners and trainers virtually.

“We’re hosting a Zoom meeting on Friday night with the connections and will dial Willie Mullins in from Ireland and David Casey in from Werribee. It’s as close as we can get to the pre-race Mounting Yard experience at the moment!” Driscoll added.

OTI’s other international Cup’s contender, San Huberto is currently the second emergency in the race. The French Group 2 winner, who is trained by Fabrice Chappet but is presently under the care of Matt Cumani in Australia, will head to the Group 3 Geelong Cup should he not make the field.