Blamey Stakes launchpad for Onesmoothoperator under Fitzsimmons

While Onesmoothoperator knows Australian tracks well, his appearance in the Blamey Stakes at Flemington marks a novel step.

This former UK galloper embarks on his debut run with Aussie conditioner Tim Fitzsimmons in the 1600m Group 2 contest on Saturday.

The gelding has featured in the last pair of Melbourne Cups trained by Brian Ellison, staying locally post his 16th in last year's edition behind victor Half Yours for Fitzsimmons' preparation.

Success in trials at Echuca February 3 and 13 days after has Onesmoothoperator geared up for action.

Onesmoothoperator faces an unfamiliar distance, having steered clear of races under 2000m in 47 outings that delivered six triumphs, including the 2024 Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m) and last year's Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m).

"It's going to be interesting," Fitzsimmons said.

"The mile will probably be too short for him, but you never know. Hopefully there is a little bit of speed on, but it's a starting point for him.

"We'll see how he goes on Saturday. The owners would love to run him in the Australian Cup, but whether he is sharp enough, we'll have to wait and see.

"This weekend will give us a good guide as to where we go."

March 28's Group 1 Australian Cup over 2000m might open doors to the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick April 11, weather permitting, with 55kg.

"He's nominated for the Sydney Cup, but the problem would be the rain as he doesn't go a yard on a wet track," Fitzsimmons said.

"I think last year was a Good 4, but it's often very wet, so the immediate aims will be the Blamey Stakes and the Australian Cup."

Owners prefer a concise autumn path for Onesmoothoperator toward October's Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), according to Fitzsimmons.

Bypassing the Sydney Cup could lead to the Listed Mornington Cup (2400m) April 18, providing 'win and you're in' access to the Caulfield Cup.

Fitzsimmons described Onesmoothoperator as 'casual' in his work and trials and only does as much as he needs.

"He's an interesting horse but they've found the key to him, riding him cold and let him finish off," Fitzsimmons said.

"Talking to Brian, they tried everything. Riding him closer just doesn't work, so one thing for sure is whatever race he's in, he's going to be ridden quietly to finish off."

Nearly 20 years back, a encounter brought Onesmoothoperator to Fitzsimmons' Bendigo operation.

Accompanying Bay Story to Perth—a horse Ellison sent for the 2006 Melbourne Cup Spring Carnival—Fitzsimmons built the link.

"It was the Christmas before I went to Singapore, 2006-2007," Fitzsimmons said.

"I went with Brian and we took Bay Story over for the Perth Cup and I spent probably two or three months with them, and we became such good friends.

"Brian recommended me. The owners came up on Bendigo Cup Day, had a look at the facilities and when they decided he would stay, he came to me which I'm grateful for."

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