Obucci targets Adelaide success on firmer ground
The Phillip and Tommy Stokes stable has relocated Obucci to Adelaide with the objective of securing another city win.
Obucci is slated to participate in the Adelaide Galvanising Industries Handicap (1250m) at Morphettville Parks this coming Saturday, with Noel Callow assigned as the rider.
Phillip Stokes explained that Obucci was transferred from their Pakenham stable to their Morphettville base specifically to find a firmer racing surface.
The filly began her racing career in Stakes races in Adelaide but was unplaced. She then moved to Melbourne, where she was defeated at Benalla on her initial start before winning a 1300m maiden at Sandown in October of the previous year.
Stokes took a bold approach with Obucci, entering her at Caulfield during their esteemed Cup Carnival. However, she faced a competitive field of three-year-old fillies in a race that was ultimately claimed by Point Barrow.
After one more competitive outing, Obucci was granted a spell and did not reappear until July. Her return was on a heavy track at Sandown, where she finished towards the rear of the pack.
"She needs a dry track," Stokes confirmed.
"I took her to Sandown, and she didn't like the wet track, so we put her back on the synthetic where she won (at Pakenham) and then ran second.
"If she gets a dry track, she'll be around the mark. We're happy with how she's going and she should be very competitive.
"It's the right sort of race to try and get another city win on the board."
Stokes noted that the stable has been content to support Callow, who has established himself in Adelaide following the conclusion of a suspension period.
Callow made his return to the riding ranks at the commencement of the current racing season and has since ridden four winners from 37 engagements.
"He's been coming in for quite a while and helping us," Stokes remarked.
"His feedback has been good and he's a revitalised Noel Callow.
"He's having a crack at it which is good and we're happy to have him on our horses."
Alongside Obucci, Callow is also booked to ride Cosmic Shower, Princess Painton, and Divergent for the Stokes stable.
With aspirations for a city win, Obucci's chances in Saturday's Adelaide Galvanising Industries Handicap are enhanced by the prospect of a dry track; explore the available racing betting markets for this event.
More Racing News
Blind Raise's faith rewarded with Cox Plate start
Trent Busuttin is aware that if the primary goal was to secure a Group 1 victory, the more prudent strategy would be to send Blind Raise to Sydney for this Saturday's Spring Champion Stakes.Nevertheless, he also recognises that the type of opportunity that has arisen this year is not a...
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...
War Machine back in winning form at Caulfield
A great deal has transpired for War Machine over the past twelve months.On the equivalent weekend last year, the horse trained by Ben, Will, and Jd Hayes, War Machine, was competing in Sydney for The Everest.While the results didn't align with the Lindsay Park trainers' aspirations, War Machine had entered...