Australia is familiar turf for Onesmoothoperator, though the Blamey Stakes at Flemington introduces a new chapter.
The one-time UK-trained horse will debut for trainer Tim Fitzsimmons in the Saturday Group 2 1600m showdown.
Onesmoothoperator tackled the last two Melbourne Cups with Brian Ellison, electing to stay post his 16th behind Half Yours last year for Fitzsimmons to ready him.
Trial wins at Echuca on February 3 and 13 days on have the gelding set for his return bout.
Unraced shorter than 2000m before, Onesmoothoperator’s 47 starts include six victories like the 2024 Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m) and 2024’s Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m).
“It’s going to be interesting,” Fitzsimmons said.
“The mile will probably be too short for him, but you never know. Hopefully there is a little bit of speed on, but it’s a starting point for him.
“We’ll see how he goes on Saturday. The owners would love to run him in the Australian Cup, but whether he is sharp enough, we’ll have to wait and see.
“This weekend will give us a good guide as to where we go.”
Success in the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) March 28 could target the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick April 11 barring wet weather, with 55kg allotted.
“He’s nominated for the Sydney Cup, but the problem would be the rain as he doesn’t go a yard on a wet track,” Fitzsimmons said.
“I think last year was a Good 4, but it’s often very wet, so the immediate aims will be the Blamey Stakes and the Australian Cup.”
A targeted autumn for Onesmoothoperator eyes the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) in October, Fitzsimmons mentioned.
Passing on the Sydney Cup might pivot to April 18’s Listed Mornington Cup (2400m) and its ‘win and you’re in’ to the Caulfield Cup.
Fitzsimmons said Onesmoothoperator was ‘casual’ in his work and trials and only does as much as he needs.
“He’s an interesting horse but they’ve found the key to him, riding him cold and let him finish off,” Fitzsimmons said.
“Talking to Brian, they tried everything. Riding him closer just doesn’t work, so one thing for sure is whatever race he’s in, he’s going to be ridden quietly to finish off.”
Fitzsimmons welcomed Onesmoothoperator to Bendigo via a link from nearly 20 years ago.
With Bay Story for the 2006 Melbourne Cup Spring Carnival in Perth under Ellison, the bond formed.
“It was the Christmas before I went to Singapore, 2006-2007,” Fitzsimmons said.
“I went with Brian and we took Bay Story over for the Perth Cup and I spent probably two or three months with them, and we became such good friends.
“Brian recommended me. The owners came up on Bendigo Cup Day, had a look at the facilities and when they decided he would stay, he came to me which I’m grateful for.”
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