Odeon on Victoria Derby path
Three-year-old Odeon will continue on his path towards the Victoria Derby when he chases his first city win at Caulfield.
The Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra-trained colt broke his maiden at his fourth start at Geelong last month with a 4-3/4 length victory over 1700m.
He was then given a freshen-up in the stable with attention turning to Saturday’s Ladbrokes supports National Jockey Trust Plate over 1600m.
“He had a nice little trial last Friday and trialled really well,” Zahra said.
“It might all come a bit soon but we’re happy to go towards the Derby.
“At any stage if he shows he’s lightened off or his work is not as good, we’re happy to put him out and bring him back for the autumn.”
Odeon drew barrier 16 in a field of 16 plus two emergencies for Saturday’s race but there have been three scratchings so as things stand he will jump from the second outside barrier.
Zahra is hoping the wide draw is not a disadvantage and noted the Mick Price-trained Tarzino, last year’s Victoria Derby winner, won the corresponding Caulfield race a year ago from the outside gate.
“So it’s not the end of the world and also by then you’d think the fence might be a bit chopped up,” Zahra said.
The 1600m race is the fifth event on Saturday’s card with the track rated in the soft range on Friday.
“We’re happy to roll forward but we don’t want to make it a gut-busting run where there’s not much left in the tank. So we’ll be conscious of that,” Zahra said.
All going well, Odeon will progress to the Listed UCI Stakes at Flemington over 1800m for his next start on October 1.
“Then we can either pay the late nomination for the Caulfield Classic or go to the Vase at Moonee Valley, depending on him and if he’s still up and about,” Zahra said.