Onesmoothoperator poised to thrive over longer distance
While Victoria craves precipitation, Bendigo preparer Tim Fitzsimmons is hoping for dry conditions prior to Onesmoothoperator's engagement at Flemington.
Onesmoothoperator, the former British performer, is entered in the Listed Roy Higgins (2600m) on Saturday, assuming the track avoids excessive moisture.
The victor of Saturday's contest earns a ballot exemption into the Melbourne Cup (3200m) scheduled at Flemington in November.
This represents the gelding's second run for Fitzsimmons, after stints with UK conditioner Brian Ellison, jumping from 1600m straight to 2600m.
From Onesmoothoperator's stable debut, Fitzsimmons gleaned that the mile was excessively short, as the gelding placed ninth to Birdman in the Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington February 28.
Earlier, the trainer floated the Australian Cup (2000m) on the same card, yet after the Blamey run, viewed 2000m as still inadequate.
"They were too sharp over the mile and there was no speed either which didn't help," Fitzsimmons said.
"It's a lot better race for him on Saturday up to his preferred sort of distance and I think he's trained on from the other day as well.
"He's done a heap of work since. However, I am worried about the weather. If it rains, and it's any worse than a Soft 5, then I'll probably scratch him.
"He doesn't go a yard on it, and I don't want to waste runs with him."
Post-Saturday, Fitzsimmons eyes options like the Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick April 11 or Mornington Cup (2400m) April 18.
Success at Mornington Cup offers Onesmoothoperator entry waiver to the Caulfield Cup (2400m) in October.
"There is the Mornington Cup or even if the weather forecast looks OK in Sydney, he could go straight to the Sydney Cup," Fitzsimmons said.
"He's the sort of horse that can do that which we saw when he won first-up in the Moonee Valley Cup in the spring.
"The ultimate aim is the Caulfield Cup in the spring, but there are not many races around for him, and unfortunately a lot are going to be dictated by the weather."
Punters should explore top online bookmakers for Roy Higgins betting options featuring Onesmoothoperator.
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