Fitzsimmons weighs Flemington or Gunbower options for Onesmoothoperator

The ultimate destination for Onesmoothoperator, Flemington or Gunbower, will be dictated by the prevailing weather conditions and the subsequent state of the Flemington track.

Trainer Tim Fitzsimmons expressed a resignation to the likelihood of substantial rainfall at Flemington before Saturday, which would leave the track in a saturated condition.

According to Flemington racecourse manager Liam O'Keeffe, the track is expected to receive up to 50mm of rain prior to Saturday, leading to a heavy racing surface.

If this prediction holds true, Onesmoothoperator will be rerouted to contest the Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) at Caulfield the following Saturday, or he will proceed directly to the Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 17.

"The rain is going to be a big factor as he just doesn't go a yard on it," Fitzsimmons commented.

"I think he'd run on a Soft 5, but anything worse, we won't be running.

"Even in his trackwork, on a heavy track, he can work alright until he comes off the bridle and then he's not much good."

After his initial appearance in the autumn, which marked his first outing for Fitzsimmons following his participation in last year's Melbourne Cup under Brian Ellison, the gelding impressed his new trainer despite finishing towards the rear in the Naturalism Stakes at Caulfield on September 19.

"He only got beaten 4.3 lengths, off a slow speed, and once they put the rail out, it was very difficult to make up ground," Fitzsimmons explained.

"He was doing his best work through the line and the 2000 (metres) was a bit sharp and he needed the run as well.

"He's come on for the run, and Mark (Zahra) jumps back on, and he's won on him before."

Fitzsimmons mentioned that he would need to consult with the ownership group regarding the strategic approach for Onesmoothoperator's upcoming race schedule.

With the stayer positioned at number 28 in the Caulfield Cup entry order, Fitzsimmons highlighted that it would not be the preferred scenario to race in the Herbert Power Stakes and then back up into the Caulfield Cup.

He added that holding off for either the Geelong Cup or the Moonee Valley Gold Cup, both races previously won by Onesmoothoperator, presents another potential avenue.

"If we don't run Saturday, he'll have a quiet jump-out on Monday here at Bendigo," Fitzsimmons confirmed.

"He's number 27 in the Melbourne Cup, and he looks like he's a good chance of getting in.

"In an ideal world, he runs Saturday, into the Caulfield Cup, if he gets in, and then onto the Melbourne Cup."

Should the anticipated rain lead to Onesmoothoperator's withdrawal from Saturday's engagement, Fitzsimmons indicated that he would escort Blazing Sword to the Gunbower Gold Cup (1800m) on Saturday.

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