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.
More Racing News
Struggling Stayers Cup for Centenario
While a minor placing in midweek company might not seem like the most auspicious form reference for the Stayers Cup, Adrian Bott is optimistic that Centenario's inherent improvement and fitness will allow him to make the transition.The former New Zealand galloper finished third over 2400 metres on the Kensington track...
Tuileries readied for Tattersall's Tiara assault
Peter Snowden opted to modify Tuileries' preparation for the Tattersall's Tiara due to the recent rainfall in Brisbane, yet he remains assured it will not diminish her chances.The four-year-old filly was scheduled to contest the Dane Ripper Stakes (1400m) two weeks prior but was withdrawn due to the heavy track...
Hickman banking on Future History for Cup success
The primary winter objective for Future History has been the Tattersall's Cup, and if the gelding secures victory, a start in the Melbourne Cup will become a tangible goal.This eight-year-old, who competed in Australia's most celebrated race back in 2023, has been running with considerable spirit this season. He achieved...
Touristic poised for resurgence in the W J McKell Cup
Peter Snowden is confident that Touristic is in good health and expects the gelding to perform strongly at Rosehill, despite a disappointing performance last start.The ten-year-old will be competing in his tenth start of the preparation when he lines up for Saturday's W J McKell Cup (2000m), having begun his...
Miracle Spin in line for Caulfield hat-trick, says trainer Bobbin
Andrew Bobbin's judgment on Miracle Spin looks particularly sharp now, though he admits there were moments he felt far from clever.The Stawell trainer even contemplated if Miracle Spin would endure a second preparation with him following a barren three-start spring campaign, which concluded with a distant last in the Penshurst...
Dylan Gibbons' career still developing
For Dylan Gibbons, a steadfast commitment to consistency has been paramount this season, a philosophy he intends to carry forward.The pinnacle of any jockey's aspiration is to capture Group 1 races. Should he succeed in winning the final major event of the 2025-26 racing term aboard Infancy in the Tattersall's...
Bazaball Rewarded set for Caulfield return
Kelvin Southey is content with his decision to withhold Bazaball Rewarded from city racing until the current campaign, and he is pleased she is now being given the opportunity to demonstrate her class.The four-year-old mare's three starts this year have all taken place at Caulfield, resulting in victories either side...
Portelli's Runner Numbers Depend on Rosehill Track Conditions
Gary Portelli's team at Rosehill could be significantly reduced this weekend, with the trainer indicating that many of his horses will be scratched if the predicted rain arrives and impacts the track surface.Portelli is set to have six runners on Saturday, including the lightly raced three-year-old Performance. However, her participation...
God's Window the focus for Chris Waller in W J McKell Cup
Chris Waller's stable is pinning its hopes on God's Window for the W J McKell Cup at Rosehill, as Rotagilla is expected to race in Queensland.Rotagilla has remained in Brisbane since its third-place finish at Eagle Farm earlier this month, and Waller's assistant trainer, Charlie Duckworth, has indicated the horse...
Alex Rae hopeful I'm Foxing can extend his winning run
Cranbourne trainer Alex Rae is aware that his remarkable winning streak will eventually cease, but he's optimistic that the horse responsible for initiating it can contribute to its continuation for a bit longer.I'm Foxing is slated to compete for her third successive triumph this Saturday in the $150,000 MRC Membership...