It’s another busy weekend for OTI and its partners with horses racing in Melbourne, country Victoria, Adelaide, country New South Wales, England and France.
At Moonee Valley we have 4 horses racing, starting with Romanesque in the BM78 1600m. This horse is looking to build fitness on the back of an excellent run at the same venue two weeks ago where he finished 2nd. The wide barrier draw will unfortunately not help.
It’s a huge step up for Night’s Watch from a handicap to Group 2 company. However, the preparation of this Redwood gelding has been excellent. With luck in running, he should figure in the finish of the Dato. A win in this race will give him a free ticket into the Cox Plate.
Pemberley and Gallic Chieftain are both in the 1600m Open Handicap. Both are expected to need the run, as they progress up to their correct distances.
Also on Saturday, Wyetta will have her first race in Australia at Kilmore. This half-sister to Aloisia is expected to need the 1450m Maiden to bring on her fitness, albeit that it would not surprise if she showed up.
In Adelaide, Romancer makes his first appearance for OTI in Australia for the 1200m BM90 race. The trials of this horse have been excellent and he should make his presence felt. Whatever he does on Saturday will be improved with his follow up races.
On Saturday night or Sunday morning Australian time, Fairlight and Decoration of War race in the UK. Fairlight’s form has been excellent as he prepares to take the strong field in the $A195,000 handicap over 2400m.
Decoration of War will have his first start for his new trainer, Ilka Gunsera – Leveque in a 1700m Handicap. The horse is expected to need the run as he progresses up to 2000m and beyond.
On Sunday, Tucano, following an unlucky second in the Mackay Cup, will start in a 1800m Handicap on the Sunshine Coast. Although carrying a big weight, he’s expected to be competitive.
At Muswellbrook in New South Wales, Urban Royal will have her first start for Kris Lees in the 1200m Class 1 Handicap. Kris has been happy with this horse’s work, albeit she’s expected to improve off this first-up run.
On Sunday night, Peronne will take his place with an elite group of two-year-olds in the 1600m G3 race at Longchamp. On the back of his excellent first-up win at Deauville, this full brother to Pornichet is expected to be most competitive.
Good luck to all of our co-owners over the weekend as we look forward to another successful few days.
