OTI Racing | Long Weekend Preview - OTI Racing & Bloodstock

We look forward to seeing Selino headline our long weekend in the Group 2 Brisbane Cup on Saturday, alongside a number of promising youngsters pressing their claims for city class success.

Read about their chances below!

Saturday, June 10

Sandown

Current Track Rating: Heavy

Altruist

Altruist will get our weekend underway when he makes his return in the 1000m 2yo Handicap at Sandown. This colt has come back in lovely order, with two strong trial wins under his belt. His debut effort was encouraging in strong company, especially considering some shin soreness may have been holding him back. He has handled his build up perfectly this time in and Saturday looks a nice set up for him to kick off on a positive note.

Belthil

Belthil races on the one week back up after doing a few things wrong in running at Flemington last Saturday. Despite racing keenly, he was still doing his best work through the line, which certainly bodes well for his future once he’s able to put it all together. Hopefully that run has taken the edge off him and we can see a more tractable performance on Saturday.

*Belthil ridden by Harry Coffey wins the Titan Building Group Slipper Maiden Plate at Geelong Racecourse on December 16, 2022 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos)*.

Randwick

Current Track Rating: Soft

Comme Bella Fille

A little more was expected of Comme Bella Fille last start, albeit she didn’t appreciate the crowding/kick back. She now finds herself at the track/trip and grade that she’s been victorious in before. She should get the opportunity to give us a guide on where she’s at in what looks a suitable race on paper.

*Comme Bella Fille winning at Randwick in June 2022*.

Eagle Farm

Current Track Rating: Good

Selino

To read more about Selino’s chances in the Brisbane Cup, click HERE.

*Selino winning the Sydney Cup in April 2021, ridden by Ron Stewart*.

Sunday, June 11

Swan Hill

Current Track Rating: Heavy

Notes

Notes is a chance to race on the back up at Swan Hill on Sunday, although the track will need to hold up for him to be a starter. He was a touch one-paced in the run to the line last week, but is likely to be given his chance to roll along on the speed if he is to take his place on Sunday. It’s a pattern that’s been successful for him on a couple of occasions.

Zaynudin

Zaynudin makes his much anticipated Australian debut at Swan Hill on Sunday. This horse has done everything right since entering Tom Dabernig’s stables, so we are looking forward to seeing him get his campaign underway on Sunday. The mile is certainly short of his best trip, but he has shown a nice turn off foot in all three of his Australian trials, so we do expect him to sprint well fresh.

*Zaynudin wins at Gowran Park in August, 2022*.

Casterton

Current Track Rating: Soft

Darci’s Debut

Darci’s Debut may run at Casterton on Sunday, pending the state of the track. Her recent performances have been rather underwhelming, but she gets a good opportunity to bounce back here in what looks an easier affair than what she has been contesting.

*Darci’s Debut (NZ) ridden by Linda Meech wins the Matko Hire 4YO+ Maiden Plate at Coleraine Racecourse on August 02, 2022 in Coleraine, Australia. (Reg Ryan/Racing Photos)*.

Extra Elusive

Extra Elusive is also a chance to run at Casterton in the 2000m Apsley Cup. He has been given a nice freshen up following a testing Warrnambool Cup, so hopefully he can recapture the form he showed a little earlier in the preparation.

Extra Elusive (GB) on the way to the barriers prior to the running of the Premier Signs Handicap at Ladbrokes Park Hillside Racecourse on February 11, 2023 in Springvale, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos).

Limoges, France

Current Track Rating: TBA

Vina Sena

Vina Sena is likely to step out in what looks a small but suitable field at Limoges. His first run in France was a good pipe opener and should have taken away some of his freshness. The slight rise in trip is suitable, and although Edouard is still learning about him, Vina Sena’s class should see him be very competitive in this type of race.

*Vina Sena winning at Dundalk in December, 2021*.

Monday, June 12

Warwick Farm

Current Track Rating: Good

Funambulist

Funambulist steps back into tougher company at Warwick Farm. He’s an honest horse who won well last start and is more than capable of being competitive here. He’s probably looking for a bit further now but this grade of race is suitable as he works towards longer staying contests. His gallop on Tuesday showed he’d taken good confidence from the win and is on track to run another good race.

Funambulist wins at Hawkesbury in May 2023 — *Funambulist wins at Hawkesbury in May, 2023*.

Step Aside

Step Aside is likely to take on the older horses again from a low draw. The drop back in distance of 100m isn’t necessarily perfect but hopefully that can be negated by him taking up a more prominent position. He couldn’t have performed much better last time out given the way the race unfolded, and he looks a genuine city class horse for the future.

Step Aside wins at Kembla Grange in May 2023 — *Step Aside wins at Kembla Grange in May, 2023*.

Mornington

Current Track Rating: Heavy

Rivaport

Rivaport steps up to 2000m after racing a touch flat over the mile last start. She is a mare that has always shown plenty of promise, but her last two runs have left us a shade disappointed. Condition-wise she still looks terrific, so Monday’s race will be a good guide as to where she is at.

*Rivaport winning at Sandown on March 15, 2023*.

Chicago Bear

Chicago Bear races third-up at Mornington on Monday, where he should be nearing peak fitness. He did a good job to stick on at Flemington last time out, considering he was stepping up from 1400m to 1800m. With that run under his belt, he should be ready to put his best foot forward here.

Best of luck to all involved!