Two OTI horses will feature in a star-studded edition of the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington this Saturday.
Gailo Chop (Barrier 3) and Quick Thinker (Barrier 13) will kick off their spring preparations in the competitive field that includes 12 Group 1 winners.
Veteran ten-year-old, Gailo Chop will line up for the Matthew Williams stable, with John Allen riding.
Williams has been pleased with his recent work and is looking to put his disappointing autumn preparation behind him.
“I’m really happy with the horse” Williams commented, adding that he expected him to get a nice run from barrier 3.
.@CoxPlate contender Harbour Views worked alongside Gailo Chop at @wboolracingclub today for @mwracing3638. 👀 @reynolds_r pic.twitter.com/7523ovrFZn
— Racing.com (@Racing) August 20, 2020
Group 1 ATC Derby Winner Quick Thinker also begins his preparation in the race, with Michael Dee taking the ride.
Quick Thinker arrived in Australia earlier this month and has settled into Flemington well for co-trainers Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman. The rain forecast for Melbourne on Saturday will play to his advantage, with the four-year-old relishing softer ground.
“I could not be happier with him heading into Saturday” commented Forsman. “I’m really looking forward to getting his campaign underway, and we know he’ll improve a lot with it,” he added.
OTI wishes connections of both horses the best of luck!