Imported entire Olmedo will head into unchartered waters when he races over a sprint trip for the first time.
Annabel Neasham has noticed a subtle shift in former French galloper Olmedo this campaign and it has prompted her to adopt fresh tactics.
A Group One winner over a mile in France, the six-year-old has had five Australian starts over similar distances, his best performances a close-up sixth in the Cantala Stakes last spring when prepared by Chris Waller, and a last-start win over 1630m at Doomben for Neasham.
He has since been given a barrier trial to keep him up to the mark and his performance in that, combined with the nature of his victory in the Tails Stakes, have convinced Neasham to try him over a shorter trip in the Group 3 BRC Sprint (1350m) at Doomben on Saturday.
“We decided just off visually watching that (win), it would have been easier to watch over a shorter trip, so we’re coming back to the 1350,” Neasham said.
“I’d have to go right back through his French form but I’m pretty sure it’s the shortest trip he has ever run over.
“He just seems to have sharpened up. He was very sharp in his trial last week and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do coming back in trip because it will open up the door maybe to a Stradbroke.”
Ryan Maloney sticks with Olmedo at Doomben where he has 14 rivals, including top Victorian sprinter Tofane and Godolphin’s smart galloper Ranier.
He will be one of three Doomben runners for the trainer, along with Doomben Cup favourite Zaaki and Wisdom Of Water in the Darby McCarthy (1110m).
