Victoria is in desperate need of rain, but for Bendigo trainer Tim Fitzsimmons that is the last thing he wants ahead of Onesmoothoperator running at Flemington.
Former UK galloper Onesmoothoperator is down to run in the Listed Roy Higgins (2600m) on Saturday, on the proviso the track is not too wet.
Success in Saturday’s race provides the winner a ballot exemption into the Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington in November.
Onesmoothoperator will be having his second start for Fitzsimmons having previous been prepared by UK trainer Brian Ellison and is jumping straight from 1600m to 2600m on Saturday.
Fitzsimmons said he learned one thing from Onesmoothoperator’s debut for the stable, the ‘mile’ trip is way too short with the gelding finishing ninth to Birdman in the Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on February 28.
The trainer had earlier indicated the Australian Cup (2000m), also run on Saturday, would be considered, but after his Blamey Stakes outing considered the 2000m would not be far enough either.
“They were too sharp over the mile and there was no speed either which didn’t help,” Fitzsimmons said.
“It’s a lot better race for him on Saturday up to his preferred sort of distance and I think he’s trained on from the other day as well.
“He’s done a heap of work since. However, I am worried about the weather. If it rains, and it’s any worse than a Soft 5, then I’ll probably scratch him.
“He doesn’t go a yard on it, and I don’t want to waste runs with him.”
Fitzsimmons said depending on Saturday’s outcome, races in the immediate future that may suit are the Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick on April 11 or the Mornington Cup (2400m) on April 18.
Victory in the Mornington Cup would provide Onesmoothoperator a ballot exemption into the Caulfield Cup (2400m) in October.
“There is the Mornington Cup or even if the weather forecast looks OK in Sydney, he could go straight to the Sydney Cup,” Fitzsimmons said.
“He’s the sort of horse that can do that which we saw when he won first-up in the Moonee Valley Cup in the spring.
“The ultimate aim is the Caulfield Cup in the spring, but there are not many races around for him, and unfortunately a lot are going to be dictated by the weather.”
