Alexander's team targets wins across multiple states
Archie Alexander's proactive approach in recent weeks is proving beneficial, as this Saturday offers minimal respite from racing commitments.
The Ballarat trainer has a quartet of runners scheduled for competition this Saturday, spread across four different tracks in three separate states.
Didn't Miss Many is set to race at Sandown, Prince Eric at Rosehill, Breathless Spirit at Murray Bridge, and Mr Charismatic will compete at Bendigo, representing Alexander's stable.
While this presents a significant logistical hurdle, it's a challenge the Englishman is prepared to embrace on one of racing's premier days.
"Three weekends ago we had a Saturday winner and the two weekends in between we've had no runners," Alexander remarked.
"The last two Saturdays I've sat at home mowing the lawn, then you have a weekend like this where you're all heading in different directions.
"We're lucky we've got enough good people and transport to make it fairly smooth and hopefully on Sunday we can have something to show for it."
Alexander will journey to Sydney on Saturday morning, taking over from Dave Mulcahy, who departed Ballarat with Prince Eric on Thursday. His wife Annie will manage affairs at Sandown, while travelling foreman Glenn Xiberras heads to Murray Bridge, and Greg Baker is bound for Bendigo.
Bookmakers favour Breathless Spirit to be the winning contender, placing the gelding at the head of the market for the $65,000 Sportsbet Nobody Does It Easier Handicap (2000m) at Murray Bridge, with Jacob Opperman in the saddle.
The import is aiming for its third consecutive victory, following wins in BM62 and BM66 races on its home track. Alexander indicated his pleasure at the acclimatisation of the five-year-old son of Invincible Spirit.
"We took our time with him and this time in everything has just clicked," Alexander commented.
"We knew he was back in great form when he had a good run at Geelong first-up, then he's put two wins together.
"I think there are a few quite handy horses in this race, but I think he's got a lot of upside.
"He's not badly in at the weights, 56.5 (kilos) with a good jockey on board and the drier the better."
The Murray Bridge track was officially rated a Soft 5 on Friday morning, though showers are forecast for raceday.
Alexander believes Didn't Miss Many is performing well enough to claim another Sandown win, despite reservations about a wide draw. He also holds optimism for Prince Eric's chances at his initial start outside Victoria since his UK transfer in the 2000m BM78.
"He won at Sandown in England, which is right handed, so there'll be no issue there, he's a very chilled horse, so he'll travel well and I think he's in with a good chance," he said.
Prince Eric, a $19 outsider, will be ridden by Ash Morgan from barrier four.
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