Warrnambool-based sprinter Oliveanotherday is scheduled for an appearance on the Flemington straight as his campaign continues to develop.
Oliveanotherday has secured five consecutive wins, and his next race is the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) on Saturday.
The Bobbie Lewis Quality will offer Oliveanotherday valuable experience down the Flemington straight, potentially paving the way for a start during the Melbourne Cup Carnival. More importantly, it will serve to prepare the sprinter for the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on September 26.
The gelding concluded his last campaign with a win in the Listed Wangoom Handicap (1200m) at Warrnambool in May. He made a successful return by winning the Group 3 The Heath (1100m) at Caulfield on August 29.
In that event, Oliveanotherday had to navigate traffic but demonstrated a good turn of foot to extend his winning run.
Trainer Tom Dabernig, who narrowly missed his first Group 1 win since moving to Warrnambool from Lindsay Park with Cavalry Girl in the Moir Stakes last Saturday, mentioned that Oliveanotherday’s first-up run was not as taxing as expected. This led to the decision to give Oliveanotherday another outing before the Manikato Stakes.
The Manikato Stakes has been a key target for the sprinter, with this year’s race being held at Caulfield instead of Moonee Valley.
“He pulled up well and the one benefit from being held-up first-up, it wasn’t a hard run,” Dabernig said.
“I thought if we went straight to the Manikato, it could be a week too long, plus I’m keen to try him down the straight at Flemington before Cup week and this is the ideal time.
“I didn’t want to go to the Manikato a little bit fresh, so at least this way it’s two weeks, two weeks, pretty simple, and hopefully this run will then bring him to his top.
“The 1200 metres, at Caulfield, he’s proven there, so it’s a target.”
Dabernig noted that there had been interest from slot holders for The Everest (1200m) at Randwick on October 17, both prior to and following Oliveanotherday’s initial win this campaign.
“At this stage, the owner is saying ‘let’s reassess after this next start’,” Dabernig stated.
“He’s playing his cards close to his chest which is fine by me.
“The Manikato is three weeks before The Everest, plus there is the travel, so it’s doable, if that’s the way we decide to go.”
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