Last weekend didn’t quite go to plan for the OTI contingent but we head into the next few days with a positive outlook and a myriad of chances across the globe, headlined by Sevenna’s Knight’s (pictured below) Group 1 tilt!
At Gold Coast on Friday Night
Full Of Sincerity gets our weekend underway in the 2200m BM78 off the back of two positive efforts with Matt Dunn. Out to the right trip on his preferred ground, he’s expected to be both prominent in running and the finish.
At Randwick on Saturday
Swamp like conditions are expected, much to the delight of Green Fly’s (pictured below) owners as he steps out in the 1600m BM94. He’s in career best form and although he has an unfavourable pattern, we expect to see him flying late. He can win again.
She’s Unusual is another unphased by the wet and should be very competitive in the 1400m F&M BM78. Based on her strong 2nd on return, she’s come back very well. She’ll get a patient ride again but is expected to be closing off strongly and is more than capable in Saturday grade.
French import Sir Chartwell is engaged in the 2000m BM88 for his Australian debut but with bottomless conditions expected, he’s likely to be saved for another day.
At Sandown on Saturday
The first of our trio at the metro meeting is Didn’t Miss Many, a colt who has been running well this campaign without winning. He stuck on soundly in Listed grade last start and with a drop in both class and weight on Saturday, he’s afforded a good opportunity.
Lining up alongside him is Nearco Frod, who is set to make his Australian debut. This lightly raced French 3yo will be better suited out in trip but his lead-up trials have been promising. We’re excited to see what’s in store for him moving forward.
We’ll see Step Aside (pictured below) in the 1400m BM84 aiming to bring up a hat-trick of city wins. He’s thrived with the addition of blinkers and looks well placed to continue his strong form. He’s never been going better.
Elsewhere on Saturday
Bubbling is due to get her campaign underway in the 1590m 0-58 Hcp at Wodonga as her first run for trainer Ben Brisbourne. She’s doing well in a new environment, can run a sound race over this trip but is likely to need further to be winning.
Talented staying filly Twisted Love is sweating on a start in the 2000m Group 2 The Roses at Doomben. On a path to the Queensland Oaks, you can learn more about the filly’s lead up HERE.
Collioure, a well regarded 3yo son of New Bay will have his second start over 1400m at Dieppe (FR). He was disappointing on debut, racing too fiercely throughout. Some gear changes have been applied and it’s important we see a better showing from him.
At Ballarat on Sunday
There are two different 2000m BM70’s on the program and we’ll be represented in each. Revolver (pictured below) heads into this race off a gallant placing during the Warrnambool Carnival. He’s been a model of consistency and gets his chance to notch up another win.
French-import Paradise Storm resumes from a spell and is very much a work in progress. His trials have been more encouraging of late and we’re looking for a positive first-up showing to build confidence, knowing he’ll be better suited deeper into the preparation.
Around the Grounds on Sunday
Kimmorley steps out in the 2050m BM74 at Mount Gambier in what is an important run. He was quite disappointing during the Warrnambool Carnival, particularly given how well he had worked in the lead up. Hopefully, we can see his work at home translate to race day.
Nescaffier is likely to have another run over 1400m in the Class 1 at Sunshine Coast. He’s being prepped to get to a staying trip this campaign, so this is expected to be another sounding fitness run to set him up for further. We can be more confident with him next start.
In Europe on Sunday
We’ll have to be patient for the highlight of the weekend with Sevenna’s Knight out to defend his crown in the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier, a race that now holds Group 1 status at Longchamp (FR). He ran a lovely prep race earlier this month and is very well suited by the step to 3100m. Any rain will only enhance his chances.
Sharp Starspangledbanner filly Taiyi has improved for her nice debut effort and is fancied to feature in the 1200m 2yo Fillies Maiden at the Curragh (IRE). A bold showing could see her aimed at some loftier targets.
We wish all those involved this weekend the very best of luck!
