Warrnambool-based sprinter Oliveanotherday is preparing to experience the unique Flemington straight as the gelding’s current campaign gathers momentum.
Oliveanotherday has achieved a remarkable five consecutive victories, with his next engagement being the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) this Saturday.
The Bobbie Lewis Quality provides Oliveanotherday with a crucial preview of the Flemington straight, a potential stepping stone towards the prestigious Melbourne Cup Carnival. More significantly, it will serve to sharpen the sprinter’s condition for the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on September 26.
Concluding his previous campaign with a win in the Listed Wangoom Handicap (1200m) at Warrnambool in May, Oliveanotherday made a successful return by claiming the Group 3 The Heath (1100m) at Caulfield on August 29.
On that occasion, Oliveanotherday had to navigate traffic but demonstrated a potent turn of foot to extend his winning streak.
Trainer Tom Dabernig, who narrowly missed his first Group 1 win since relocating to Warrnambool from Lindsay Park with Cavalry Girl in the Moir Stakes last Saturday, commented that Oliveanotherday’s first-up performance was less taxing than anticipated, prompting the decision to give the gelding another start before the Manikato Stakes.
The Manikato Stakes has been a primary objective for the sprinter, with this year’s edition scheduled for Caulfield rather than its usual Moonee Valley venue.
“He pulled up well and the one benefit from being held-up first-up, it wasn’t a hard run,” Dabernig stated.
“I thought if we went straight to the Manikato, it could be a week too long, plus I’m keen to try him down the straight at Flemington before Cup week and this is the ideal time.
“I didn’t want to go to the Manikato a little bit fresh, so at least this way it’s two weeks, two weeks, pretty simple, and hopefully this run will then bring him to his top.
“The 1200 metres, at Caulfield, he’s proven there, so it’s a target.”
Dabernig also mentioned that there had been considerable interest from slot holders for The Everest (1200m) at Randwick on October 17, both before and after Oliveanotherday’s initial win this campaign.
“At this stage, the owner is saying ‘let’s reassess after this next start’,” Dabernig conveyed.
“He’s playing his cards close to his chest which is fine by me.
“The Manikato is three weeks before The Everest, plus there is the travel, so it’s doable, if that’s the way we decide to go.”
Punters can explore the latest Australian betting sites for the Bobbie Lewis Quality.