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
Blinkers bring Plymouth back to winners' circle at Caulfield
Co-trainer Ben Hayes from Lindsay Park attributes Plymouth's resurgence to victory at Caulfield to the use of blinkers.The horse under the care of Ben, Will and J D Hayes grabbed his first triumph post the Benalla Cup from last September via success in the Lamaro's After The Last Handicap (2000m)...
Desert Lightning delivers Moody repeat Goodwood success
Peter Moody, now based with Katherine Coleman, has taken out the Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m) once more, echoing his achievement 14 years prior when Black Caviar dominated in 2012.Both triumphs came with Luke Nolen in the saddle; Black Caviar's win by 1.3 lengths was tighter than usual for the...
Dominant display by Pride Of Jenni echoes past glory at Gold Coast
With a bold frontrunning performance reminiscent of her electrifying 2024 Queen Elizabeth Stakes effort, Pride Of Jenni has left her Hollindale Stakes competitors trailing to claim another exceptional success.The mare was in peak free-wheeling mode for Saturday's Gold Coast showcase, building an approximate 16-length buffer as the 800m approached and...
Caulfield win puts Highvol back on victory trail
Nick Ryan, the trainer, may eye a Queensland venture for Highvol after the gelding notched a triumphant return at Caulfield.The gelding Highvol hadn't tasted success since his opening two triumphs as a juvenile until he captured the Tobin Brothers Celebrating Lives Handicap (1600m) on Saturday.Jamie Mott kept Highvol ($16) prominent...
Stokes scores $500,000 The Coast hit-and-run with Athanatos
Kerrin McEvoy needed only a fast look at Athanatos's past performances to realise he was on a livewire for the $500,000 The Coast, a hunch validated when the out-of-state runner displayed unbeatable finishing power.Although new to the four-year-old, McEvoy noted the gelding's close fourth to Transatlantic, beaten under two lengths,...
Thrilling Takeover Target Stakes goes to King Of Roseau
Peter Snowden, champion handler, lauded the grit and hunger for victory shown by King Of Roseau in the pulsating end to the Listed $250,000 Takeover Target Stakes (1200m) held at Gosford on Saturday."I could see the horse on his inside (Harry's Yacht) making his run with King Of Roseau but...
Dominant Ken Russell Memorial Classic win for $2.7m colt St Gotthard
St Gotthard validated his hefty $2.7 million tag by delivering a spectacular performance to claim the Group 3 $200,000 Ken Russell Memorial Classic (1200m) at Gold Coast on Saturday.Under trainer Chris Waller, the youngster was on his second race appearance and extended his flawless slate by drawing away from competitors.James...
Caulfield debut success sends Natural Fling to Queensland riches
Natural Fling, fresh from her winning debut, will chase Queensland targets including a valuable juvenile contest after her Caulfield triumph.Trained by the Tony and Calvin McEvoy combination, the filly was a strong market fancy to win the Sportsbet Feed Handicap (1100m) and she set the pace all the way in...
Gosford juvenile win highlights I Am Dirty's promise
Following her standout performance in The Coast Raceday 2yo Handicap (1200m) at Gosford on Saturday, I Am Dirty might pursue the Group 1 route triumphantly followed by yard companions Overpass and Green Spaces.Bjorn Baker, the trainer, is convinced of I Am Dirty's growing capabilities, yet he hesitates on whether to...
Bossy Nic hoping for soft track in Adelaide stakes
Tony and Calvin McEvoy's stable anticipates that softer going will favour Bossy Nic in her Morphettville assignment.The mare is entered in Saturday's Group 3 Proud Miss Stakes (1200m), seeking to notch up yet another Stakes win.The training pair weighed up the Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m) on the same card...