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
Berry eyes continued success at Newcastle's The Hunter feature
Star jockey Tommy Berry has enjoyed considerable success during the spring racing carnival, including a sensational four-timer at Rosehill last Saturday, yet he still harbours ambitions for further achievements.His impressive list of wins includes the $1 million Silver Eagle (1300m) on Apocalyptic, the $1 million Five Diamonds Prelude (1500m) aboard...
Small Fry to have final start for O'Brien in Zipping Classic
Trainer Joseph O'Brien, despite a challenging period with his major Spring Carnival runners, is preparing for one last contender at Sandown next Saturday.The final participant from O'Brien's Melbourne spring campaign will be Small Fry, competing in the $750,000 Zipping Classic. This Group 2 contest over 2400 metres signifies Small Fry's...
Birdman claims Champions Stakes over Cosmic Crusader
Birdman has asserted his championship credentials by reversing the Cox Plate placings with his frequent spring adversary, Cosmic Crusader, at Flemington on Saturday.The $3 million Champions Stakes saw the Chris Waller-trained Birdman cross the line ahead of Cosmic Crusader, who had previously won the Cox Plate, in the 2000-metre Group...
Lazzura powers to victory in the Group 2 Hot Danish Stakes
Lazzura concluded a stellar spring preparation at Rosehill Gardens this afternoon, securing the Group 2 $500,000 Hot Danish Stakes over 1400 metres with a determined effort.The Chris Waller stable, represented by Darren Beadman due to Waller's presence at Flemington, acknowledged the mare's tough win. "It wasn't a gimme," Beadman stated.Sent...
Point Barrow causes upset in Champions Sprint
A four-year-old mare with a blistering turn of foot emerged victorious in Saturday's Champions Sprint at Flemington, proving to be the surprise package of the race.Point Barrow secured a significant Group 1 victory in the $3 million 1200-metre contest, which featured Tempted, a mare who had only three weeks prior...
Autumn Glow's Flemington triumph showcases champion qualities
While the victory in the Champions Mile at Flemington was perhaps harder fought than her prohibitive odds indicated, Autumn Glow firmly established her regal class.Facing her for the first time away from Sydney and at this renowned track, any potential disruption caused by the change of scenery was definitively put...
Golden Gift victory for Act Up after thrilling Rosehill contest
Act Up has delivered a notable two-state juvenile double for Lindsay Park, ultimately prevailing over fellow Victorian-trained colt Silent Intent in the prestigious $1 million Golden Gift at Rosehill.This significant win not only secures Act Up a coveted spot in the upcoming Golden Slipper field thanks to its substantial prizemoney...
Savvy Spy's winning form continues with Ranvet Handicap victory
The promising gelding Savvy Spy demonstrated a remarkable surge of closing speed to pull away from his competitors in the Ranvet Handicap, a 2400-metre contest.However, just as jockey Tim Clark was guiding the emerging four-year-old back towards the mounting yard, the horse suddenly executed a sideways movement that caught the...
Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner Pinhole eyes Melbourne Cup after strong showing
Pinhole, who narrowly missed a start in the Melbourne Cup by a single position, has now put himself in contention for the prestigious race after a commanding performance in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, marking him as a stayer with significant future potential in Australian racing.The gelding was 25th in the...
Sabaj set for another Carnival challenge at Flemington
Sabaj is set for a vastly different race when he contests his second start of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained runner impressed earlier in the week with a Listed race victory over 1800 metres at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day.On Saturday, Sabaj returns to the...