Scone-based trainer Rod Northam will be chasing stakes success in two states when Odyssey Moon and Myamira resume in Melbourne and Sydney respectively.
Group One-placed colt Odyssey Moon has been installed favourite for Saturday’s Listed McKenzie Stakes at Moonee Valley while seven-year-old mare Myamira begins her final racing campaign in the Group Three Toy Show Quality at Randwick.
Odyssey Moon got a look at Moonee Valley on Tuesday morning in a gallop ahead of the McKenzie Stakes (1200m).
“He worked well and I’m looking forward to Saturday,” Northam said.
He said the colt has an awkward draw in barrier 10 of 12 but is hoping that can be overcome.
Odyssey Moon raced in top company during the autumn but has not won since his first start in December.
Northam is hoping the ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes placegetter can build some confidence in early spring races in Melbourne as he works towards the Caulfield Guineas.
Myamira has not won for over a year and Northam said the mare didn’t come up last preparation when she had a few little issues before being given a good spell.
He has been pleased with the mare ahead of her return.
“She’ll be going to stud this year but we thought we might just try and send her out on a winning note and give her a couple of runs during the spring and see if we can pick something up,” Northam said.
Northam said there was the option of sending Myamira to be served by a stallion at some stage and then continue on for a couple more spring starts while in foal.
Myamira hasn’t started since finishing unplaced in the Belle Of The Turf Stakes at Gosford in January, a race she won the year before.
“Her work has been as good as ever and her trackwork rider says she feels as good as ever,” Northam said.
Northam said the Toy Show, which has attracted a field of nine, was a tough race but said if Myamira got back to her best form she could run well in that company.
Article from justhorseracing.com.au