Warrnambool-based galloper Oliveanotherday significantly boosted its standing for a potential start in The Everest with an impressive audition at Caulfield.
Having previously triumphed in the Listed Wangoom Handicap during the Warrnambool May Carnival, Oliveanotherday made a successful return from a spell by clinching the Group 3 The Heath 1100 on Saturday.
Sent off as the $2.30 favourite under Harry Coffey, Oliveanotherday recorded a 1-½ length victory over Bridal Waltz ($3.70), with War Machine ($6) a further 1-¼ lengths back in third.
Trainer Tom Dabernig indicated that some interest had been shown in Oliveanotherday for a place in the $20 million The Everest (1200m) at Randwick on October 17.
“If the opportunity presented, we would fully embrace it,” Dabernig stated.
“There has been a little bit of interest in the horse, but I think they were keen to see what he did today.
“It would be a good opportunity for horse, trainer and owner, but we won’t get ahead of ourselves, just yet.”
Dabernig’s primary objective is to secure a Group 1 win for Oliveanotherday.
The Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on September 27 is a likely target, with Dabernig also highlighting the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) at Flemington on September 12 as a potential next race.
A run up the straight could potentially lead to a Group 1 sprint race during Melbourne Cup week at Flemington.
Dabernig confessed to feeling nervous during Saturday’s race as Oliveanotherday was held up on the fence behind the leader Bridal Waltz.
“We were a little bit concerned with barrier one and I was mindful, talking to Harry Coffey during the week, of not wanting to chase the speed and to hold a position and give him too hard a run,” Dabernig said.
“But in doing so, turning for home and when he was held up, we were all a bit tense.
“He’s a horse that can quicken and get himself out of trouble in two or three strides and when he hit the front, I saw that Harry didn’t have to use the whip all that much and was hands and heels and he won nicely.
“It’s a great way to kick the preparation off and hopefully he can continue into the spring and take those next steps.”
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