Written by Trent Masenhelder for racing.com
Warrnambool-based trainer Tom Dabernig will consider running Oliveanotherday in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes at Caulfield on September 27, after the four-year-old improved his record to six wins and a second from eight starts on Saturday.
Kicking off his spring campaign in the G3 The Heath 1100 (1100m), Oliveanotherday sat behind the leader, Bridal Waltz, and jockey Harry Coffey was sweating on a run. The gap appeared 250 metres from home and Oliveanotherday burst through it to run down Bridal Waltz.
Image Courtesy of Racing Photos
In the end, it was a soft win, with Coffey only needing to shake the reins a few times.
“You don’t get you hands on these sort of horses very often,” Dabernig said.
“We were a little bit concerned about barrier one; we didn’t want to chase the speed to try and hold the gate and give him a harder run than he needed. I must admit, turning for home when he was held up, we were all a bit tense, but he’s a horse that can quicken and get himself out of trouble in two or three strides and he did that today.
“It’s a great way to kick the preparation off and hopefully he can continue into the spring and keep taking those next steps.”
Dabernig said the gelded son of Nicconi is likely to head to the G2 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) at Flemington on September 12, before a possible tilt at the Manikato Stakes
“The ultimate goal is to try and get him to a Group 1 in best-possible shape, and we might look at a Bobbie Lewis to give him a try down the Flemington straight, which might open up an option for (Melbourne) Cup week,” Dabernig commented.
“The goal at the moment would probably be the Manikato. He’s a very good Caulfield horse. I’ll take to (owner) Andrew Harrison and we’ll come up with a plan.”
Dabernig revealed they would also entertain running Oliveanotherday in the G1 The Everest (1200m) at Randwick on October 17, should he get a start in the $20 million sprint.
“If the opportunity presented, we would fully embrace it,” said Dabernig.
“There has been a little bit of interest in the horse [from slot holders].
“It would be a great opportunity for horse, trainer and owner, but we’re not getting ahead of ourselves.”