Closer To Free’s appearance in this weekend’s Golden Slipper offers Danny O’Brien a shot at joining an exclusive trainers’ fraternity.
The $5 million Group 1 Rosehill showdown victory would crown the Melbourne trainer’s pursuit of Australia’s racing Grand Slam.
Chris Waller alone, among Australian-resident trainers, holds wins in the Golden Slipper, Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate.
The other ongoing trainer with the distinction, David Hayes, has relocated to Hong Kong.
Lee Freedman stands as the only other extant winner, with Bart Cummings, Tommy Smith, Colin Hayes, Jack Denham and Maurice McCarten preceding.
These eight luminaries occupy spots in the Australian Racing Hall of Fame, and O’Brien relishes his finest prospect to seize the premier juvenile event globally.
“You don’t get many opportunities in a Slipper, because you’ve got to have the right horse,” O’Brien said.
“We haven’t had that many of them, so it’d be fantastic if we could tick that last box.”
No Golden Slipper runner for O’Brien since Vow And Declare’s 2019 Melbourne Cup wrapped Melbourne Slam elements.
Caulfield Cup via Master O’Reilly in 2007, Cox Plate through Shamus Award 2013 mark his others.
His one Golden Slipper essay: Running Tall 11th at $41 in 2011 Sepoy edition.
O’Brien braced for 2026’s front end without involvement, Closer To Free integrating early February.
Street Boss progeny, $60,000 Inglis Classic Yearling purchase, initiated with Adrian Corboy at Wangaratta, acquired by Sean Buckley post January 29 Caulfield trial dazzler.
Monday’s $150,000 late payment bypassed initial non-entry for Golden Slipper.
Pembrey (Magic Night Stakes last Saturday) and Music Time (Black Opal) share late entry status.
Slipper access via Group 1 Blue Diamond narrow second, succeeding Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude debut.
Post-February 21 Blue Diamond rest, Sydney arrival early March, topped 1030m Rosehill trial March 10.
Jamie Melham, Saturday aboard, trialled successfully; O’Brien lauds colt’s Sydney poise.
“He travelled up well, he’s settled well, he trialled well and he’s a very straight-forward colt,” he said.
“Nothing seems to bother him. Everything he does, he just takes in his stride. He’s got a great attitude.
“Jamie Melham jumped on him for the first time the other morning and she was very impressed with him.
“We just need, hopefully, a nice enough barrier and we’ll see what the weather does, but there’s not too many boxes left to tick with him. He’s ready to go.”
Golden Slipper acceptors firm up Tuesday barrier draw; Closer To Free $11 all-in.
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