OTI runners will feature in Australia, Ireland and France this weekend. At Headquarters, seven horses will line up, highlighted by two runners in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes. The navy and gold silks will also be carried at Rosehill, Leopardstown in Ireland and Evreux in France.
Flemington
Young Rascal races in the Quality Handicap over 2500m (Race 1 – 12:05 pm) in his second start of his spring preparation. Archie Alexander commented that the promising stayer worked sharply this week. We’re anticipating that he will be in the finish with John Allen aboard.
Mantastic contests a Handicap over 1700m (Race 5 – 2:15 pm) for the Chris Waller stable. Third up after a long spell, Waller commented that he is “close to peak fitness.” Despite the wide barrier, we’re hoping William Pike can give him every chance to finish off strongly.
Inverloch kicks off his spring campaign in the 1400m Listed The Sofitel (Race 6 – 2:55 pm) for Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young. He won his recent trial impressively, and we’re expecting him to run a strong race with Michael Dee in the saddle.
Romancer also races in the 1400m Listed The Sofitel with Jordan Childs taking the ride for the Grahame Begg stable. A last start winner at Flemington, Begg commented that he couldn’t be happier with the horse. We’re looking forward to seeing him back at Headquarters and expect him to perform well.
Gailo Chop will kick off his spring preparation in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes over 1600m (Race 7 – 3:35 pm) for Matthew Williams. With John Allen riding, we’re expecting the veteran ten-year-old to get a nice run from an inside barrier.
Also in the Makybe Diva Stakes, Quick Thinker is first up for the Baker and Forsman stable. He has settled into Flemington well and impressed in his work since arriving in Australia earlier this month. With rain forecast for Melbourne on Saturday, the conditions should suit, and he should be very competitive with Michael Dee aboard.
Promising filly Yosemite will contest the Listed Cap d’Antibes Stakes over 1100m (Race 9 – 4:50 pm). Following an impressive last start win at Bendigo, Robbie Griffiths and the OTI team are looking forward to this race, which will lay the foundation for her to head towards the Thousand Guineas. William Pike, a master of winning the last race on the card, takes the ride.
Rosehill
Attorney races in a Benchmark 78 over 1800m (Race 3 – 1:25 pm) for Matthew Smith, with Jason Collett in the saddle. Smith has been pleased with his work, commenting that he has come on from his first up run and the step up in trip should be ideal.
Leopardstown
In Ireland, Mirann has accepted for the Petingo Handicap over 2580m (Race 2 – 11:35 pm AEST). The effusive, Johnny Murtagh is delighted with the horse and whilst it is a competitive field, we’re expecting him to run a big race. Shane Foley rides.
Evreux
In France, Demeter is entered to race in a 3yo Maiden over 1200m (Race 4 – 1:27 am AEST) for the Edouard Monfort stable. Whilst her last start was disappointing, she is well and if conditions suit, she should put in a good run.
Good luck to all of our owners!