Onesmoothoperator has plenty of Australian experience but steps into fresh waters lining up for the Blamey Stakes at Flemington.

Previously handled in the UK, the galloper makes his bow with local trainer Tim Fitzsimmons in Saturday’s Group 2 1600m feature.

After appearances in the past two Melbourne Cups for Brian Ellison, Onesmoothoperator was retained in Australia post-16th in last year’s race to Half Yours, now under Fitzsimmons.

Victories in Echuca trials on February 3 and 13 days later signal Onesmoothoperator’s readiness to resume.

The gelding encounters a career first shorter than 2000m in his 47-race tenure boasting six wins, such as the Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m) from 2024 and the prior year’s Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m).

“It’s going to be going to be interesting,” Fitzsimmons said.

“The mile will probably be too short for him, but you never know. Hopefully there is a little bit of speed on, but it’s a starting point for him.

“We’ll see how he goes on Saturday. The owners would love to run him in the Australian Cup, but whether he is sharp enough, we’ll have to wait and see.

“This weekend will give us a good guide as to where we go.”

The March 28 Group 1 Australian Cup at 2000m may precede a tilt at the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) Randwick on April 11 if ground suits, at 55kg.

“He’s nominated for the Sydney Cup, but the problem would be the rain as he doesn’t go a yard on a wet track,” Fitzsimmons said.

“I think last year was a Good 4, but it’s often very wet, so the immediate aims will be the Blamey Stakes and the Australian Cup.”

Fitzsimmons revealed a brief autumn program for Onesmoothoperator, targeting the October Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m).

Should the Sydney Cup be avoided, the Listed Mornington Cup (2400m) on April 18—with its ‘win and you’re in’ for the Caulfield Cup—is an option.

Onesmoothoperator was ‘casual’ in his work and trials and only does as much as he needs, Fitzsimmons said.

“He’s an interesting horse but they’ve found the key to him, riding him cold and let him finish off,” Fitzsimmons said.

“Talking to Brian, they tried everything. Riding him closer just doesn’t work, so one thing for sure is whatever race he’s in, he’s going to be ridden quietly to finish off.”

Fitzsimmons’ acquisition of Onesmoothoperator for Bendigo stemmed from a meeting almost 20 years prior.

He visited Perth with Bay Story, imported by Ellison for the 2006 Melbourne Cup Spring Carnival.

“It was the Christmas before I went to Singapore, 2006-2007,” Fitzsimmons said.

“I went with Brian and we took Bay Story over for the Perth Cup and I spent probably two or three months with them, and we became such good friends.

“Brian recommended me. The owners came up on Bendigo Cup Day, had a look at the facilities and when they decided he would stay, he came to me which I’m grateful for.”

Fans should check the leading betting sites for Blamey Stakes opportunities.