Fresh from a successful spring carnival, trainer John O’Shea is already turning his attention to the next phase with designs on having a major hand in some of the biggest races of the summer.
O’Shea is planning to take a young team to the Gold Coast for next month’s Magic Millions carnival, while he also has Berdibek and possibly Kirwin’s Lane in line to tackle the $750,000 Villiers Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday week.
It follows a heady spring highlighted by the emergence of The Hunter winner Lost And Running as a budding sprint star, but not one to rest on his laurels, O’Shea is keen to keep his stable’s momentum rolling.
“It never stops but we have come away from the spring in a positive frame of mind,” O’Shea told Sydney’s Sky Sports Radio.
“We’ve got a bit of ‘ammo’ there, particularly targeted to racing in Sydney and then possibly heading to the Magic Millions.”
Bend The Knee, a Listed winner at Flemington during Cup week, will be prepared for the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m), while unraced youngsters Shailailed and Hell I Am will make their respective debuts in the coming weeks.
Both will be given the chance to earn their way into the Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m).
O’Shea also has talented galloper Berdibek on target for the Villiers Stakes following his encouraging first-up fourth to Count De Rupee in The Gong, while Kirwin’s Lane will join him in the showpiece mile if he can squeeze into the field.
“I think we’ve got a couple of sneaky chances in the Villiers,” O’Shea said.
“I thought Berdibek’s run in The Gong was exceptional and back to Randwick, hopefully drier ground, he has shown previously he can put up a really good performance when he gets conditions to suit.
“We have been really happy with the way Kirwin’s Lane is going…. If he can get into the Villiers on dry ground from a decent draw he will run, otherwise Hugh (Bowman) will ride him in a (benchmark) 88 on the same day.”
O’Shea will have three runners at Rosehill on Saturday, including Fashchanel in the Cabra-Vale Diggers Handicap (1350m).
A last-start third to Norwegian Bliss at Newcastle, Fashchanel will be ridden by apprentice Reece Jones, who makes his return to city racing.
“She wouldn’t want it too much wetter than a (soft) six, but she is in good form and she isn’t far off a win,” O’Shea said.