Tom Dabernig is hoping for a strong showing from one of his sprinters this weekend, aiming for Group 1 contention, after another of his horses secured a spot in a major race last Saturday.
The untapped four-year-old Oliveanotherday is scheduled to begin his campaign in Saturday’s $200,000 The Heath at Caulfield.
This Group 3 event over 1100 metres will be Oliveanotherday’s first outing since completing a perfect four-start season in the Listed Wangoom Handicap (1100m) in early May, a performance that announced him as one of the country’s most exciting sprinters.
Dabernig understands the gelding must step up, but he was heartened by the Wangoom Handicap win over older horses and has been satisfied with his recent work.
“Three to four is always a funny transition, but as a three-year-old he was in races where he was beating older horses, so I think he’s a horse that can make that transition fine,” he said.
“He trialled at Caulfield last Wednesday and trialled really well and he pulled up well.
“He’s had a nice build-up, he’s had two trials and seems to be going well.”
Oliveanotherday is part of a capable sprinting team for the Warrnambool trainer. Last Saturday, Cavalry Girl earned her place in the Group 1 Moir Stakes for this year with a victory in the Group 3 Carlyon Stakes at Sandown.
Oliveanotherday defeated Point Barrow in a 1000m jumpout on Caulfield’s Heath track on August 19, following an 880m trial at Casterton.
Dabernig considered The Heath a suitable starting point for Oliveanotherday, given his previous win at Caulfield before the Wangoom Handicap, which will help shape his future campaign.
“He was good at Caulfield, so we thought that might be a nice, safe kick-off,” Dabernig explained.
“He hasn’t been to Flemington yet, so what we’re considering is maybe the Bobbie Lewis (second-up) and trying it early, which might help map out what we do.
“The straight is an unknown and I didn’t want to go first-up down the straight, so I thought we can get that run into him and then make that call on what we do.”
Oliveanotherday is the $2.50 favourite for The Heath, with prominent rivals including Group 1 winner War Machine ($4), Bridal Waltz ($6), and Inkaruna ($8).
Oliveanotherday is the $2.50 favourite for The Heath, and keen punters might be checking out betting sites for the best racing betting markets available on the field, which includes Group 1 winner War Machine ($4), Bridal Waltz ($6), and Inkaruna ($8).