Warrnambool’s Oliveanotherday has significantly advanced its aspirations for a start in The Everest following a strong audition at Caulfield.
The horse, a winner of the Listed Wangoom Handicap during the Warrnambool May Carnival, returned from a break to claim the Group 3 The Heath 1100 on Saturday.
Sent out as the $2.30 favourite with Harry Coffey in the saddle, Oliveanotherday recorded a 1-½ length victory over Bridal Waltz ($3.70), with War Machine ($6) a further 1-¼ lengths behind in third.
Trainer Tom Dabernig mentioned that there had been some interest in Oliveanotherday for a place in the $20 million The Everest (1200m) scheduled for Randwick on October 17.
“If the opportunity presented, we would fully embrace it,” Dabernig remarked.
“There has been a little bit of interest in the horse, but I think they were keen to see what he did today.
“It would be a good opportunity for horse, trainer and owner, but we won’t get ahead of ourselves, just yet.”
Dabernig’s priority is to achieve a Group 1 win for Oliveanotherday.
The Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on September 27 is a potential target, and Dabernig also pointed to the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) at Flemington on September 12 as a possible next step.
A run up the straight could pave the way for a Group 1 sprint contest during Melbourne Cup week at Flemington.
Dabernig admitted to feeling nervous during Saturday’s race when Oliveanotherday was positioned behind the leader, Bridal Waltz, along the fence.
“We were a little bit concerned with barrier one and I was mindful, talking to Harry Coffey during the week, of not wanting to chase the speed and to hold a position and give him too hard a run,” Dabernig said.
“But in doing so, turning for home and when he was held up, we were all a bit tense.
“He’s a horse that can quicken and get himself out of trouble in two or three strides and when he hit the front, I saw that Harry didn’t have to use the whip all that much and was hands and heels and he won nicely.
“It’s a great way to kick the preparation off and hopefully he can continue into the spring and take those next steps.”
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