Godolphin trainer John O’Shea has outlined his plans for the stable’s leading spring contenders.
With the new season underway and the big names starting to reappear at the barrier trials and on the racetrack, O’Shea has determined the spring preparations of his higher profile gallopers, providing a rundown of those plans on godolphin.com
Older Horses:
Arab Dawn: 6g, Dalakhani - Victoire Celebre“He's returned from the winter in good order. He showed great promise in his first Australian campaign during the Autumn carnival winning the Listed Parramatta Cup at Rosehill. He will go through the G3 Naturalism Stakes at Caulfield in September in an attempt to qualify for the G1 Caulfield Cup.”
Hartnell: 6g, Authorized - Debonnaire“He knocked his leg and was off the scene last Autumn, but he has returned from a deserved break and we are gradually stepping up his workload. His Spring target is the G1 Metropolitan at Randwick.”
Magic Hurricane: 7g, Hurricane Run - Close Regards“We've given him two trials in which he's had comfortable runs. He will likely embark on a similar Spring campaign to what he had in 2015 with the aim to win his second G1 Metropolitan at Randwick.”
“We were very pleased with his Autumn carnival finishing second in both the G1 Ranvet Stakes and G1 Doomben Cup. He has wintered well and is progressing into fast work at Warwick Farm. He will be aimed at the G1 Epsom Handicap at Randwick before heading down to Melbourne to compete in the G3 Coongy Handicap at Caulfield.”
Ghisoni: 4m, Lonhro - Portillo“She arrived back from Queensland three weeks ago after spending a couple of weeks up there spelling following her run in the Dane Ripper. She will likely return in the G2 Premiere Stakes at Rosehill before embarking on a Melbourne campaign aimed at the G2 Salinger Stakes on Derby Day.”
Holler: 4h, Commands - Shouts“He has spent the winter in Newmarket after his run in the G1 Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot and is in great condition. He is due to arrive back in Australia on October 1 before stepping out first up in the G1 Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley. He is likely to progress to the G1 Darley Classic at Flemington on the last day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.”
Tally: 4h, Street Cry - Itemise“We are particularly happy with the way he has returned from a winter spell and has strengthened up quite considerably. He is likely to trial at Randwick on July 29th before heading down to campaign exclusively in Melbourne. He will have a traditional lead-up towards the G1 Caulfield Cup.”
Three-Year-Olds:Astern: 3c, Medaglia D'Oro - Essaouira
“A lovely horse and he has made good improvement. Probably our top juvenile colt of last season, and we are very happy with the way he has returned to the stable. He is likely to trial on Tuesday 9th August at Randwick. His main aim will be the G1 Coolmore Stakes at Flemington.”Telperion: 3c, Street Cry - Yavanna
“He has made the most physical improvement of our two-year-olds of last season. He will likely run first up in the Run To The Rose and then into the G1 Golden Rose. We will then decide if we keep going up or come back in trip with him.”Calliope: 3f, Exceed And Excel - Melpomene
“She has shown a good level of ability and has done well through the winter. She will likely have a light Spring in Sydney before being aimed at the G2 Furious Stakes at Randwick.”Souchez: 3c, Lonhro - Vimy
“He has returned from Queensland where he was spelling after finishing fourth in the J.J Atkins at Eagle Farm. We will probably have a light Spring with him aiming for the G1 Coolmore Stakes at Flemington.”Two-Year-Olds:
“Of the two-year-olds to follow, Olifants is a beautiful colt by Animal Kingdom out of Grascrop. Almanzora the Lonhro out of Palomares is a strong early running sort of filly. Veranillo is an outstanding colt by Medaglia d'Oro out of Shelters. Coruscate the Exceed out of Dazzler should come early for the pre-Christmas two-year-old races.”
