It’s been just over a year since Tom Charlton officially became training partner to John O’Shea, and the duo is on track to close out their first full season with strong momentum.
The partnership kicked off with a win from Bartolf at Scone on July 2 last year, and since then, their success has continued to build.
O’Shea and Charlton have trained 35 metropolitan winners this season at a strike rate exceeding 15 per cent, alongside three standout Group 1 wins—Schwarz in the William Reid Stakes (1200m), Linebacker in the Randwick Guineas (1600m), and Maison Louis in the Queensland Derby (2400m).
“It wasn’t a massive change but it is one I have thoroughly enjoyed and I’m very lucky,” Charlton said.
“We’ve got a fantastic group of staff and a great group of horses that hopefully we can continue to improve on.
“Winners-wise, the stats have been good. We’ve had three individual Group One winners so it has been an excellent season.”
At Randwick this weekend, their team could include up to five runners. Among them is Getafix, a $2.50 equal favourite in the TAB Handicap (1400m), though he still requires a scratching to make the field as second emergency.
“He was well thought of as a two-year-old. He and Linebacker were probably our two picks and both of them were our Golden Rose nominations last year,” Charlton said.
“Last time at the Kensington track we got a situation where he relaxed off a really good ride and was very strong.
“Jason (Collett) should suit him really well. He is a kind, soft hands kind of rider, and if the horse can replicate that again, obviously he is well up to this grade.”
Captain Amelia also runs in the final event, and Charlton believes she’s better than her last-start fifth at Rosehill when held up behind Changing Colours.
“Her last run had merit. She never really had a chance to finish off,” he said.
“But back to Randwick hopefully she can get a smoother run in transit and she is definitely capable of winning in this grade.”
Fans can track betting options for O’Shea and Charlton’s runners at Randwick by visiting Australia’s leading betting sites.
