The Danny O’Brien stable is expecting vast improvement to come from Order Of Command when he lines up in the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes.
Assistant-trainer Ben Gleeson said the rising seven-year-old son of Squamosa had taken a lot of benefit from his first effort and expects a fitter sprinter at Caulfield on Saturday.
Gleeson said Order Of Command was not at home on the Good4 rated track in the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on July 10.
“The conditions didn’t suit him at all,” Gleeson said.
“He had to come wide around the turn and it was all too much.
“He’d only had one jump-out leading into that and he always improves plenty off a first-up run and we’re hoping to get to Caulfield with somewhat of a rain-affected track.
“He gains so much out of race day and it’s a recipe that works well and we’ll be relying on the weather to give him that extra boost.”
Showers and cold weather are expected for the remainder of the week and Gleeson said when Order Of Command was fit and going well, the winter months are when he shines.
“Group 3 level is where he sits but he did run second in a Group 1 a few starts ago,” Gleeson said.
“So, his form at this time of year should be the standout of any horse in it, it’s just whether he can be at that level next Saturday.
“Hopefully with one more gallop, he’ll be right there.”
Stablemate Banquo is also nominated, coming off a last start second at Flemington on July 3.
A total of 21 horses have been entered for the 1200m sprint.
The Astrologist, who defeated Banquo at Flemington, has been entered along with Brave Song, Goldolphin pair Isaurian and Viridine, last start Monash Stakes winner Red Can Man and Regardsmaree. And Streets Of Avalon.
