Archie Alexander’s diligent efforts in recent weeks are proving advantageous, as this Saturday offers minimal opportunity for domestic chores or relaxation.
The Ballarat horseman has four runners entered for Saturday’s racing, scheduled to compete at four distinct venues across three states.
Didn’t Miss Many will represent Alexander at Sandown, Prince Eric at Rosehill, Breathless Spirit at Murray Bridge, and Mr Charismatic at Bendigo.
This widespread campaign presents a logistical puzzle, but it’s one the Englishman readily accepts on racing’s most lucrative day of the week.
“Three weekends ago we had a Saturday winner and the two weekends in between we’ve had no runners,” Alexander explained.
“The last two Saturdays I’ve sat at home mowing the lawn, then you have a weekend like this where you’re all heading in different directions.
“We’re lucky we’ve got enough good people and transport to make it fairly smooth and hopefully on Sunday we can have something to show for it.”
Alexander is set to travel to Sydney on Saturday morning, taking over from Dave Mulcahy, who departed Ballarat with Prince Eric on Thursday. His wife Annie will oversee proceedings at Sandown, travelling foreman Glenn Xiberras is heading to Murray Bridge, and Greg Baker is Bendigo-bound.
Bookmakers are leaning towards Breathless Spirit as the likely winner, with the gelding installed favourite for the $65,000 Sportsbet Nobody Does It Easier Handicap (2000m) at Murray Bridge. Jacob Opperman is the booked rider.
The import is aiming to extend its winning streak to three, following successful BM62 and BM66 runs at its home track. Alexander expressed his satisfaction with the acclimatisation of the five-year-old son of Invincible Spirit.
“We took our time with him and this time in everything has just clicked,” Alexander commented.
“We knew he was back in great form when he had a good run at Geelong first-up, then he’s put two wins together.
“I think there are a few quite handy horses in this race, but I think he’s got a lot of upside.
“He’s not badly in at the weights, 56.5 (kilos) with a good jockey on board and the drier the better.”
The Murray Bridge track was rated a Soft 5 on Friday morning, with predictions of showers on raceday.
Alexander is confident Didn’t Miss Many is in strong enough form to achieve a second consecutive Sandown victory, despite a wide draw causing some concern. He is also optimistic that Prince Eric can perform above his odds at his first start outside Victoria since his UK transfer in the 2000m BM78.
“He won at Sandown in England, which is right handed, so there’ll be no issue there, he’s a very chilled horse, so he’ll travel well and I think he’s in with a good chance,” he said.
Prince Eric, a $19 chance, will be ridden by Ash Morgan from barrier four.
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