Archie Alexander has ensured his recent productivity at home pays off, as this Saturday presents a limited window for personal pursuits with his string of runners competing across multiple venues.
The Ballarat-based trainer has four horses slated to race this Saturday at four distinct locations spanning three states.
Alexander’s charges include Didn’t Miss Many at Sandown, Prince Eric at Rosehill, Breathless Spirit at Murray Bridge, and Mr Charismatic at Bendigo.
This widespread engagement poses a logistical challenge, yet it’s one the Englishman welcomes on what is typically racing’s most profitable day.
“Three weekends ago we had a Saturday winner and the two weekends in between we’ve had no runners,” Alexander stated.
“The last two Saturdays I’ve sat at home mowing the lawn, then you have a weekend like this where you’re all heading in different directions.
“We’re lucky we’ve got enough good people and transport to make it fairly smooth and hopefully on Sunday we can have something to show for it.”
Alexander is set to travel to Sydney on Saturday morning, taking over from Dave Mulcahy, who departed Ballarat with Prince Eric on Thursday. His wife Annie will oversee operations at Sandown, while travelling foreman Glenn Xiberras is en route to Murray Bridge, and Greg Baker is heading to Bendigo.
According to bookmakers, Xiberras is the most likely to bring home a winner, with Breathless Spirit holding favouritism for the $65,000 Sportsbet Nobody Does It Easier Handicap (2000m) at Murray Bridge. Jacob Opperman is booked to ride.
The imported gelding is seeking a third consecutive victory, following successful runs in BM62 and BM66 events at his home track. Alexander expressed satisfaction with how the five-year-old son of Invincible Spirit has settled in.
“We took our time with him and this time in everything has just clicked,” Alexander remarked.
“We knew he was back in great form when he had a good run at Geelong first-up, then he’s put two wins together.
“I think there are a few quite handy horses in this race, but I think he’s got a lot of upside.
“He’s not badly in at the weights, 56.5 (kilos) with a good jockey on board and the drier the better.”
The Murray Bridge track was rated a Soft 5 on Friday morning, with forecasts indicating potential showers on raceday.
Alexander is confident Didn’t Miss Many possesses sufficient form to secure a second consecutive win at Sandown, though a wide barrier draw tempers his excitement. He is also optimistic that Prince Eric can outperform his odds in what will be his first start outside Victoria since his arrival from the UK in the 2000m BM78.
“He won at Sandown in England, which is right handed, so there’ll be no issue there, he’s a very chilled horse, so he’ll travel well and I think he’s in with a good chance,” he said.
Prince Eric, currently priced at $19, will be partnered by Ash Morgan, and they will commence from barrier four.
Check out the latest racing odds at Australian betting sites.