Onesmoothoperator is well acquainted with racing in Australia, yet he will venture into uncharted territory by contesting the Blamey Stakes at Flemington.
The ex-UK runner is set for his initial appearance under Australian handler Tim Fitzsimmons in the Group 2 event over 1600m this Saturday.
Onesmoothoperator competed in the previous two Melbourne Cups with Brian Ellison but remained Down Under for preparation by Fitzsimmons following his 16th placing in last year’s Cup won by Half Yours.
Having secured victories in two trials at Echuca on February 3 and 13 days subsequently, Onesmoothoperator is primed for his comeback.
This represents fresh challenge for Onesmoothoperator, as the gelding has never competed below 2000m across his 47-start record yielding six successes, among them the Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m) in 2024 and the Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) last year.
“It’s 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 Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) scheduled for March 28 could pave the way for an entry in the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick on April 11, subject to track conditions, carrying 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 indicated Onesmoothoperator is not slated for an extended autumn series, with owners eyeing the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) in October.
If Onesmoothoperator skips the Sydney Cup, consideration might go to the Listed Mornington Cup (2400m) on April 18, which offers a ‘win and you’re in’ berth for the Caulfield Cup.
Fitzsimmons noted Onesmoothoperator was ‘casual’ in his work and trials and only does as much as he needs.
“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.”
A connection forged nearly two decades ago resulted in Fitzsimmons taking charge of Onesmoothoperator at his Bendigo base.
Fitzsimmons journeyed to Perth alongside Bay Story, which Ellison had imported 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.”
Betting enthusiasts can find competitive racing betting markets for the Blamey Stakes this weekend.
