Archie Alexander’s recent efficient use of his time is fortunate, as this Saturday will offer little opportunity for domestic tasks or family engagement.
The Ballarat horseman has no fewer than four runners entered this Saturday, competing at four separate venues across three states.
Alexander will be represented by Didn’t Miss Many at Sandown, Prince Eric at Rosehill, Breathless Spirit at Murray Bridge, and Mr Charismatic at Bendigo.
This widespread participation presents a logistical challenge, but it’s a task the Englishman is content to undertake on racing’s most lucrative day of the week.
“Three weekends ago we had a Saturday winner and the two weekends in between we’ve had no runners,” Alexander commented.
“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 is scheduled to head to Sydney on Saturday morning, taking over from Dave Mulcahy, who departed Ballarat with Prince Eric on Thursday. His wife Annie will be responsible for Sandown, travelling foreman Glenn Xiberras is en route to Murray Bridge, and Greg Baker is Bendigo-bound.
Bookmakers consider Breathless Spirit the most likely winner, with the gelding installed favourite for the $65,000 Sportsbet Nobody Does It Easier Handicap (2000m) at Murray Bridge, where Jacob Opperman will be the jockey.
The import is aiming for its third consecutive win, following BM62 and BM66 victories on its home track. Alexander expressed his delight 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 stated.
“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 rated a Soft 5 on Friday morning, though showers are predicted for raceday.
Alexander is confident Didn’t Miss Many is in good enough form to secure a second successive Sandown win, despite a wide draw tempering his enthusiasm. He is also optimistic Prince Eric can exceed expectations at his first start outside Victoria since arriving from the UK 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 chance, will be steered by Ash Morgan, with the pair drawn barrier four.
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