Japanese raider on song for the Doncaster Mile
Having collected the Golden Eagle in the spring, Japan’s Obamburumai is back in Sydney looking to add some more prize money to the coffers.
Obamburumai banked $5.25 million for his win in the Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill last November and is in line for another $2.3 million if successful in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Trainer Keiji Yoshimura was at Randwick on Wednesday as Obamburumai was given a look at the track and the parade ring behind the stand.
Yoshimuru said Obamburumai had settled in well in quarantine at Canterbury, just as he did when he was here in the spring.
Obamburumai has not raced since winning the Golden Eagle, but Yoshimuru said the entire had developed since his last start victory.
“Since he turned four, he has grown and put on some good muscle, so he’s got stronger,” Yoshimuru said.
While the Golden Eagle was over 1500m, Yoshimuru is not concerned with the extra 100m on Saturday, while he will leave jockey Damian Lane to sort out tactics on the four-year-old.
“He’s won mile Stakes races in Japan, so extending the distance isn’t a worry for us,” Yoshimuru said.
“Randwick racecourse is the first time for me, so I will discuss with the jockey and see what he thinks about it.”
Yoshimuru said Obamburumai would round out his preparation for Saturday’s contest with a strong gallop on Thursday.
“Tomorrow he will have fast work with Damian Lane on board which is also part of the schooling,” Yoshimuru said.
“Then the rest of the week will be some light work.”
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