Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott are set to showcase their promising colts, Monday Melody and Geriatrix, at Avondale on Wednesday, with both youngsters displaying strong performances in lead-up trials.
Regarding their decision to race these two colts, Scott mentioned, “He’s been well educated with the two trials since a spell so his fitness levels are good, and they will need to be with the conditions.
“He’s been on the heavy ground which gives us confidence that he’ll handle it on Wednesday and hopefully he runs well. We’ve been pretty patient with him and we’re thinking that he will give a good account of himself.”
Monday Melody, a son of Snitzel out of the Frankel mare Flora Di Mariposa, has shown promise in his preparations and appears prepared for the challenging conditions.
The colt’s lineage includes the dual Group One winner Prized Gem, and he was acquired for A$600,000 at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale by Hermitage Thoroughbreds.
Meanwhile, their talented stablemate Molly Bloom, a joint second favourite at +900 for the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), will sit out this race due to the heavy track conditions.
Scott expressed optimism about Molly Bloom’s potential, saying, “What she has showed us thus far has been very encouraging. Time has been her friend and she has developed nicely, and we certainly hope she shows that between now and Christmas time.”
Dragon Leap, another of their notable horses, is set to run in the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings. Scott is pleased with Dragon Leap’s preparation and hopes for favourable track conditions for the race.
“Fortunately, the weather forecast is looking good and he should get true footing for him to quicken on,” Scott said.
“It’s another step up and he will meet quite a hot field, but we are very pleased with him and his work on Tuesday morning suggested he is handling everything very well. He is a fit and sound horse.”
Joe Doyle will be aboard Dragon Leap on Saturday, and he will also ride Monday Melody and Geriatrix at Avondale.
Geriatrix, who has displayed promise in the wet conditions during trials, is described as a tough and robust colt by Scott. He is out of a half-sister to the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) winner Inspirational Girl and was purchased for $675,000 at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale by agent Bruce Perry.
Another member of the stable in action on Wednesday is Winexpress, who previously won over the same distance. Ace Lawson-Carroll’s 3kg claim will be advantageous for Winexpress in this race.
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