Trainer Tom Dabernig is eager to see another of his sprinters press their claims for Group 1 success this weekend, following a similar triumph last Saturday.
The promising four-year-old Oliveanotherday is slated to make his comeback in Saturday’s $200,000 The Heath at Caulfield.
This Group 3 contest over 1100 metres marks the first start for Oliveanotherday since concluding an unbeaten four-race streak in the Listed Wangoom Handicap (1100m) back in early May. That victory confirmed the gelding as one of the nation’s most exciting sprinters.
Dabernig acknowledges the challenge Oliveanotherday faces in stepping up, but he drew confidence from the gelding’s Wangoom Handicap win against older competitors and has been pleased with his progress since.
“Three to four is always a funny transition, but as a three-year-old he was in races where he was beating older horses, so I think he’s a horse that can make that transition fine,” he said.
“He trialled at Caulfield last Wednesday and trialled really well and he pulled up well.
“He’s had a nice build-up, he’s had two trials and seems to be going well.”
Oliveanotherday is part of a strong sprinting contingent for the Warrnambool-based trainer. Last Saturday, Cavalry Girl secured her spot in the upcoming Group 1 Moir Stakes with a victory in the Group 3 Carlyon Stakes at Sandown.
On August 19, Oliveanotherday outpaced Point Barrow in a 1000m jumpout on Caulfield’s Heath track, following an earlier 880m hitout at Casterton.
Dabernig views The Heath as an appropriate starting point for Oliveanotherday, especially considering his previous win at Caulfield before the Wangoom Handicap, which will aid in planning his future campaign.
“He was good at Caulfield, so we thought that might be a nice, safe kick-off,” Dabernig stated.
“He hasn’t been to Flemington yet, so what we’re considering is maybe the Bobbie Lewis (second-up) and trying it early, which might help map out what we do.
“The straight is an unknown and I didn’t want to go first-up down the straight, so I thought we can get that run into him and then make that call on what we do.”
Oliveanotherday is currently the $2.50 favourite for The Heath. His likely rivals include Group 1 winner War Machine ($4), Bridal Waltz ($6), and Inkaruna ($8).
Oliveanotherday is the clear $2.50 favourite with Australian betting sites for The Heath, where Group 1 winner War Machine ($4), Bridal Waltz ($6) and Inkaruna ($8) are among the other his potential rivals.