O’Shea has always maintained a high opinion of the Champion Thorughbreds managed Zabeel gelding who is coming off an impressive first up win at Wyong.

“This horse has made enormous improvement heading into the Autumn, he is a genuine staying prospect who is pleasing us immensely and we will test the water with him in the top grade on Saturday,”

“For where he is at in his preparation this will be a nice progression through to the Rosehill Guineas and AJC Derby.” O’Shea said.

O’Shea hinted that he won’t just have Zabrasive in the Guineas purely making up numbers,

“Gate 15 is never ideal, we’ll leave Hugh with that problem and he can negotiate where he best see’s the horse in the run.”

“Look, if there is genuine tempo Zabrasive will attacking the line very hard late, he’s probably just looking for that mile and quarter, in saying that I look forward to saddling him up for the Guineas on Saturday.” O’Shea enthused.

The Randwick horseman will have a very strong hand all day, one being another of his boom juveniles Ambers Waltz.

“Ambers Waltz always displayed quality to us, this filly is going the right way, I was delighted in her effort the other day on a dynamite leaders track,”

“She’s tightened up nicely and worked superbly Tuesday morning here on the course proper, she’s here on her home track, Bowman in the saddle and the key is she has drawn a gate so they are all factors that will have her be in the firing line come Saturday afternoon.”

Team O’Shea will also have strong competitive chances in the 3YO Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200 m) in St Augustine and Kiss ‘N Chase and Jessicabeel who contests the Aspiration Quality for Fillies & Mares over 1600 m.

“You tend not to enjoy watching races like that too much because of the anticipation, so it’s a relief,” O’Shea said.

“Our anticipation was the way she won today would be how it happened but you like to let the horses do the talking.

“It was very encouraging and hopefully she’ll go on.”

O’Shea said Solar Charged would have another start before the Golden Slipper when she runs in the Group II Reisling Slipper Trial (1200m) at Rosehill in a fortnight.

It was very well attended by a large group of existing stable clients as well as other interested parties keen to view the recent 2010 purchases on parade. 

The crowd thoroughly enjoyed the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with current stable stars Ambers Waltz, Solar Charged and Strawberry Field whilst hearing champion jockey Corey Brown’s thoughts on their respective prospects going forward into the Autumn riches.

The current crop of 3 and 4YO’s managed by Champion were also paraded for their owners.

Many of these will be appearing on the track within the next month including exciting last start winner, Zabrasive who will run in the Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600 m) next Saturday on route to the AJC Derby.

Young horses, Rough N Ready and Rule Number One returned to the stable recently and impressed the crowd with how they have developed during their recent breaks. 

They will both work up to trial stage this preparation and all going well, they will hopefully make their race track debuts.

The 4 recently purchased 2010 Champion selections were paraded, and were very well received. 

These 4 yearlings, 3 from the Magic Millions and 1 from the Inglis Classic Sale are currently spelling in the Hunter Valley where they will be broken in towards the end of March/early April.

The Snitzel/Flying Class colt proved particularly popular and as a result, only 25% remains to be sold. 

If anyone would like any information on any of these horses, please don’t hesitate to contact Jason or Megan on (02) 9436 0795.

Headed by Kitchwin Hills Stud, Snapy Halo is a last start Group I winner of the Estrellas Mile and has brought to Australian shores by the fruitful Hunter Valley breeding nursery.

“We are starting to take a bit of a liking to Snapy Halo, he has just taken a bit of time to adjust to the foreign environment he has been placed in,”   

“He’s a lovely type of horse as you will see in the yard on Saturday.”

“He’s a big strong bull who has just taken a bit longer to get a good level of fitness into him.” O’Shea said.

“He probably needs a mile before he shows his best but he’s quite a nice horse and he’s fit, well and sound,”

“If they happen to run along in that race …. I’d expect to see him attacking the line from back in the field.”

O’Shea also has Anabaa mare Silently contesting the Wiggle Quality (1400 m) and the forecasted rain is exactly what is in order for Silently.

“She was well in need of her first up run and still has some improvement to come but I have been delighted the way she has come on since the Triscay.

“She will be ridden just that touch quieter and some wet weather that could approach us will bring her into play, as when she is at the top of her game she’s got talent.”

Excitement machine Solar Charged will line up in a key Golden Slipper lead up race, her performance will be the gauge of where other Golden Slipper aspirant’s are heading to the worlds richest juvenile event.

Solar Charged’s conditioner  Randwick horseman John O’Shea commented with a touch of glee this morning post his 2YO star completed her final piece of fast work ahead of the Kindergarten.

“Solar Charged is fit, strong and healthy, we are as happy as we can be at this stage of her preparation, and she's had a great one at that so far.”

“It will be good to get her races in what appears to be an even little race, there are few other runners there that have visions of being in the Golden Slipper so we can get a guide as to where we are at with Solar Charged after the Kindergarten is run.” O’Shea said.

O’Shea hinted at what could be one hindrance.

“I probably thought the draw wasn’t exactly ideal for us but that’s out of our control and what is in our control is our filly, and I’m delighted with the order she is in.”

The advent of rain effected going was not of concern to O’Shea or the fact Solar Charged is stepping up to the 1200 m.

Jumping quickly into stride Mr Versace crossed and jockey Nash Rawiller stalked outside the lead who was favourite hot pot Yogi.

Approaching the foot of the turn the two leaders had run the remainder of the field off their feet.

Rawiller applied the torch on Yogi and Mr Versace strode up outside and past to win at his second race day outing.

“It’s taken us a bit of time and patience to get him here to the races, but he has always shown us something right from when he was a young horse,” O’Shea said.

“With time still, he will get better and it’s nice for him to be under way in a racing preparation and be on the board at his second start.”

“We will continue with him and keep chipping away as there is good improvement to come yet from him and as long as we are doing the right thing by the horse, he will do the right thing by us.” O’Shea added.

SYDNEY, Friday 25 February, 2010 - Winning form continued for Randwick conditioner John O'Shea this afternoon on the Kensington Track at Royal Randwick this afternoon.

Three Year Old filly Kiss ‘N Chase strung back to back wins together when being very strong on the line to nab what look like the winner of the race a furlong out, Keshi.

From the awkward gate ace jock Corey Brown settled in a beautiful position midfield one off the rail.

Rider Brown said there was still improvement to come from the Red Ransom filly.

“She is doing a really good job this filly, she can just race a little unkindly, which does cost her,” Brown said.

“She got a little lost again on the turn, once we got balanced up she really found the line and the best part of her race was definitely on the post, where she was strong.”

O’Shea said Kiss ‘N Chase would not be rushed into anything and does benefit from her runs being spaced, and she will look to progress to a step up now.

Resuming from a spell, the son of Zabeel made light work of his first up assignment in his fourth race day start.

After jumping well, no. 1 jockey Hugh Bowman settled him behind midfield one off the fence where he looked to travel beautifully. 

Bowman circled and clicked him up from 450 m and on straightening, once he was expertly balanced, he quickly swamped the leaders, comfortably on the line by 1 ½ lengths.

O’Shea has always had time for the 3yo and always touted him as a serious AJC Derby prospect.

“We wont rush him into the big time too quickly and just take him steady, in saying that he had always come back as good as we could of hoped this preparation,” O’Shea said gleefully.

“On the 8th March at Warwick farm there is a nice mile race which would be nice progression for him and be better suited too.”

“Track conditions were not ideal today so it’s an encouraging first up performance.” O’Shea added.

SYDNEY, Friday 19 February 2010 - Golden Slipper contender Solar Charged confirmed she is well on the way to make a serious claim on the world’s richest juvenile race by recording a strong win in a Rosehill barrier trial this morning.

Solar Charged led all the way and was never pressured by jockey Corey Brown when running a tidy 54.50 seconds for the 900 metres.

SYDNEY, Monday 15 February 2010 - Today's Randwick barrier trials have been abandoned featuring Golden Slipper  fancy Solar Charged due to the continuing deluge in weather in Sydney.

Solar Charged was set to trial last Monday at Warwick Farm but with those trials being transferred to Friday trainer John O’Shea opted to keep her at Randwick.

“We’ll nominate for the Rosehill trials on Friday and hopefully they will go ahead,” O’Shea said.

“There’s no concern missing these trials, there is still plenty of time, she’s fit and well and the plan remains to run her first-up in the Kindergarten on March 6th.”

The three-year-old colt by Anabaa was beaten into third at $1.40 over the same track and distance on January 20 but it was a vast change of proceedings this afternoon.

“We brought him here the other day a bit soft and found a couple that can gallop,” form conditioner O’Shea said.

“It’s good to get the first one away.”

Champion hoop Corey Brown was in the saddle and admitted his opinion of St Augustine was dented when beaten first-up but the jockey was happy with the way the horse disposed of his rivals when asked today.

“I was a bit disappointed the other day because I went to the races thinking he was a good horse,” Brown said.

“It was a different story today, he behaved before the race, relaxed during it and he put them to the sword when I asked him to go.

“He showed them his true colours today.”

After begining the best, Brown held St Augustine together and the heavily backed Prince Monashee punched up inside the colt to take up the running.

St Augustine travelled outside the leader until Brown asked for improvement 300 metres from home and he bounded away delivering a knock blow as soon as Brown pressed the button, to record an easy win.

“He’s quite a nice horse and he’ll improve again off that today,” O’Shea said.

“We’ll just bring him along slowly and hopefully we can pick up a Listed race over the carnival.”

The victory gave the O’Shea stable a winning double after Brown steered Kiss ‘N Chase to success in the Joanne Handicap earlier in the day.

A new set of trials have been scheduled for Warwick Farm on Friday with fresh nominations closing at 11:00am Tuesday.

Tuesday's trials were set to feature many stars including the equal Golden Slipper favourite, the John O’Shea-trained Solar Charged.

“It was probably too wet to run anyway,” O’Shea said.

“She will trial at Randwick next Monday so missing this one doesn’t effect her preparation in the slightest.

“Everything with her so far this time in is coming along swimmingly.”

SYDNEY, Tuesday 2 February 2010 - The conclusion of the New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Sale concluded this evening and John O'Shea was happy in his purchases and future equine inhabitants coming to his Randwick stables.

Turnover was up a massive $10 million for fewer horses sold, representing a 22.5% increase from $53,330,000 to $63,373,500.

The sale median ended up at $135,000, up 35% on last year's $100,000, and the clearance rate climbed steadily to 79%, ahead of last year's 77%.

O’Shea went to $80,000 for the Starcraft filly out of speedy Redoute’s Choice mare Sprung and appeared very happy in his purchase.

“We were very keen on the Sprung filly, we just love the way she moved, she had a good hip on her and is a racehorse.” O’Shea said.

“We are just happy to now know that she will be coming into our stable and could be a possible runner in these recent Inglis Graduate races.”

Figures improved across the board and the sale average held strong from yesterday, finishing at $32,913, up from $26,598 in 2009.

Both under the astute conditioner, John O’Shea’s care and he has them both back in full work and is taking both fillies one day at a time and not getting ahead of himself.

Ambers Waltz has had a two week freshen up since her courageous second placing in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast and O’Shea says the Danehill Dancer filly could not be in any better order ready to undertake another serious preparation.

“We will just take her along slowly and to let her tell us if she comes up and upon consultation with her owner Keith Biggs, ideally I had in mind that we would prepare her to run in a race like the Sweet Embrace Stakes, all going well on 13^th March.”

“You will see her class prevail on the Randwick and Rosehill surfaces I would suggest, she’s a big strong scopey filly and will benefit from a roomer track, very adaptable all the same as to where she can be in transit.” O’Shea added.

Solar Charged shot too the top of all experts Golden Slipper thinking when she came out and performed a number on her rivals pre Christmas, romping home comfortably to victory by five and quarter lengths.

“Solar Charged has been back in for nearly a month and is doing particularly well since coming back into the stable, quite amazing really as she is just a young horse and is the consummate professional.” O’Shea commented.

“She’s started some faster work and we are on track at this stage, probably trial her 15^th (February) here at Randwick and from there run in the Silver Slipper Stakes which is 27^th February.”

O’Shea was ever so reminding of the blows that the thoroughbred game can confront you with.

“In all honesty without sounding cliché I cant preempt enough that we just take it each morning and night as it comes not leaving a stone unturned and here’s hoping we are there when the whips will be cracking come the final stages of those nice races.”

“We are just happy too have these two quality fillies that we have in our care and we’ll do the best by them and there connections.”

Fist Of Fury’s retirement was confirmed by O’Shea this morning when asked of the son of Hussonet’s future.

Now a four-year-old he will be given a chance to prove himself at stud.

In a 10-start career Fist Of Fury won races at Randwick and Rosehill and was Group I-placed behind Northern Meteor in the Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington at just his third career start.

O’Shea was forced to retire Racing To Win last week after the veteran galloper suffered a tendon injury during the Hong Kong Mile.

O’Shea although disappointed not to win the flagship race Ambers Waltz was gallant in defeat and ran exceptionally well.

“I was proud of her she had to overcome a tricky barrier and she didn’t quite negotiate the Gold Coast track,”

“She is having a little break now and I will assess her at the end of this week, when she gets home on Randwick on Rosehill I think you’ll see the best of her.”

 

A highlight O’Shea touched on was what he purchased in terms of yearlings from the Magic Millions Premier Sale.

“I thought it was really competitive in that middle market and horse that fitted there made really good value and there were a whole bunch of horses this year that I wanted to come home with.”

“I didn’t go and enter in that top part of the market but still missed out on some higher priced lots,”

“I did come away from the sale with what I wanted which is not always the case so I’m content with that.” O’Shea added.

“I really liked the Full Bloom colt from Cressfield, he was just his father and he excites me.” O’Shea commented on the youngster who is by Charge Forward formerly trained by O'Shea.

“Along with the Full Bloom colt I picked up a cracking Anabaa colt that is simply just a lovely horse and ticked all the boxes for me.”

“For Champion Thoroughbreds we bought well with three good types by the commercial sires and will all run, yearlings by Snitzel, More Than Ready, Holy Roman Emperor.” O’Shea stated.

O’Shea has said the popular grey had run his last race because of a serious tendon injury.

Racing To Win injured himself during the running of the Hong Kong Mile when he was galloped on at the start of the race being stripped severely.

“He was a very good horse to me … naturally he’s going to be difficult to replace,” O’Shea said.”

“He’s had a wonderful career and when at the top of his game, sure he is a horse deserving of admiration.”

Racing To Win provided O’Shea with some of his fondest racing moments, including his 2006 Doncaster triumph.

The victory was one of five Group I wins for Racing To Win, his latest coming in the 2008 All-Aged Stakes at Randwick.

The Weight For Age star won 13 races from 30 starts and netted his owners Trevor Stuckey and Penny Yan more than $3.7 million.

“He deserves his break now as he has done enough and it will be hard that we wont take him to the races again,”

“It wont keep me down, because I have a yard full that I’m trying to turn into the next Racing To Win and if we can produce one of them too emulate a touch of what he did we will have a fun time ahead.” O’Shea added.

Race day super hoop Corey Brown put her through her paces and was quietly very happy in the filly’s form this morning.

“John’s got this filly rolling over so well,”

“That work then was top shelf and the feel she gave me was super.” Brown said.

“She was extra sharp this morning which is what impressed me, she has come on in really good order.”

“Just a nice barrier now would be ideal, either way she’s ready to run a race and how she’s come on, the rest of the field will know they are in a race.”

“Fingers crossed we strike no harm between now and Saturday, I can’t wait.” Brown added.   

Ambers Waltz galloped in company on the Randwick course proper over 800 m clocking 50.79 and working up in style her final 400 m in 22.40 seconds.

Bell showed confidence and poise beyond his years aboard Informality, being prepared to sit three-wide throughout, where he thought the track was better.

Despite the wide run, Informality raced away from his rivals to win by 1¼ lengths from Theophorus, with Kudeta third.

O'Shea's foreman, Bryce Heys, said the teenager had summed up the track perfectly.

''We thought the best going was out there and he came and told us that was where he wanted to be,'' Heys said.

''At 600m he was exactly where he said he would be and I was never worried, even though the caller was concerned in his call in the straight.

''He is a very impressive apprentice and has a 100 per cent strike rate with us after winning on Honest Lies here for us [last year].''

Informality is likely to back-up over 1600m at Randwick next week.

''If he can get the mile, it opens up a lot more options for him,'' Heys said.

''It will be interesting to see how he handles it but I don't think it will be a problem.''

Racing To Win returned to Australia this morning and will be stabled at the Sandown quarantine centre over the next two weeks.

O’Shea said the horse travelled well but Racing To Win’s future remains clouded.

Racing To Win was badly galloped on in the Hong Kong Mile before finishing 13th.

“He’s landed well but the tendon is giving us plenty of concern,” O’Shea said.

“He’s got a grade three lesion on his back tendon and his career is up in the air.

“He comes out of quarantine in a fortnight, we’ll get him home and have some scans done to decide what the future holds.”

Brown chose to miss her final hit-out at Royal Randwick before the rich juvenile race on January 9 in favour of riding Victorian Derby winner Monaco Consul in the Zabeel Classic in New Zealand.

"I am very grateful to be given the chance to ride her in the Magic Millions,'' Brown said.

"I have been riding some work for John and had already explained to him that I had won a Victorian Derby on Monaco Consul and only a metropolitan two-year-old race on Ambers Waltz.”

“I rode her in her fastwork leading up to Saturday’s race and John has her ticking over nicely.”

"John and her owners were understanding and patient enough to wait for me, and it was a relief when I got confirmation on Saturday night that I will be riding her.”

“I cant wait to be back on her back and I am very happy things have fallen my way because she is a top-class filly who deserves to be one of the horses to beat.''

“Unfortunately, you don't get paid on those," O'Shea said.

"That will do her the world of good to give her a couple of bangs on the bum and give her something to chase.”

"She's stepping up into more competitive races and that's the way it's going to be from now on." O’Shea added.

The filly was the subject of a lengthy stewards' inquiry after the race into the tactics adopted by champion Melbourne jockey Damien Oliver.

Ambers Waltz jumped from the widest gate, and Oliver opted to restrain her to last.

Stewards accepted Oliver's reasoning that he risked being caught three-deep without cover if he pressed forward.

Oliver also told stewards the filly resented the whip in the run home and was subsequently wayward in the straight.

"She ran off under the stick, she's never been under that sort of pressure before," Oliver said.

Ambers Waltz came into the race after a slashing debut win at Rosehill on December 5 when she was able to get a lovely run just off the speed for most of the 1100 metres.

"If we drew a good barrier, like we did at Rosehill, she would have box-seated again," O'Shea said.

O’Shea made it sternly clear that Oliver's tactics were not the reason the filly was beaten.

"If she went straight she would have won and we wouldn't be having this conversation," O'Shea told stewards.

"Damien would have been three-deep without cover if he went forward and there's no way he would have been in a winning position, bearing in mind she was giving the field weight as well."

Ambers Waltz still holds faouritism for the $2 million dollar flag ship race at the gold coast.

Juvenile filly Ambers Waltz is favourite for the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and she worked over 800 metres on the Randwick dirt track ahead of a start on Boxing Day.

Galloping with her stablemate Tuscan Breeze, Ambers Waltz ran 51.38 seconds and worked home her final 600 m in 36.51 and dashing up her last furlong in 11.12 seconds.

“A really nice bit of work in preparation for Saturday and I can’t  fault her heading into Saturday.” Trainer John O’Shea commented.

“She’s done exceptionally well since her first up run and will improve of that, I’m happy to be putting a saddle on her back again come Saturday, she’s ticking over nicely.”

O’Shea will also have a strong hand in the feature of the day the Summer Cup in the form of Music Review, with support runners The Starlet and possibly Starring To Win.

A decision by Corey Brown to stick with the Victoria Derby winner Monaco Consul has opened the door for Damien Oliver to ride O’Shea’s runners headed up by Magic Millions favourite Amber’s Waltz.

Brown was set to be engaged on O’Shea’s strong team of runners at Royal Randwick on Boxing Day but instead has elected to travel to Ellerslie in New Zealand to ride Monaco Consul.

Oliver will also take the reins on the O’Shea trained Music Review in the feature of the day the Group 3 Summer Cup (2400 m).

“It was one of those tough decisions top jockeys have to make,” Brown’s manager Brett Grant said.

“Sometimes they clash and you can’t be in two places at once, we had committed to the derby winner some weeks back, but we will obviously have a very close eye on Randwick.”

The decision opens the door for Oliver with the Magic Millions ride up for grabs and a Boxing Day win will leave a tricky decision for O’Shea and the horse’s owners headed up by Keith Biggs.

“The booking is only for Boxing Day on Amber’s Waltz but naturally we’ll be trying to retain the ride for the Magic Millions,” Oliver’s manager Mark Van Triet said.

“She looked outstanding at Rosehill a couple of weeks ago, we are hopping on Music Review as well which will be a strong chance in the Summer Cup, Ollie’s keen to get up too Sydney for both mounts.”

As Racing To Win was fading from contention after making a brief surge on the home turn, Hong Kong hero Good Ba Ba dive-bombed his opposition to win the race for the third straight year.

Racing To Win sat midfield three-wide the journey which was hardly ideal given the company he was up against, before Hugh Bowman tried to put the seven-year-old into the race as the field swung for home.

No excuses were offered but O’Shea expressed his obvious disappointment putting it simply.

“Look, no excuses he had a great latter part of the week leading into today,”

“He did receive a wide run in transit, but today just wasn’t his day.”

O’Shea signaled Racing To Win would now return home for could be the grey’s last hurrah.

“We’ll get him home and try and rejuvenate him now for the Autumn as it will be likely that it is his last preparation.”

The George Ryder Stakes was highlighted as the target and a possible return trip to Brisbane for the Doomben Cup.

“It has been a wonderful experience and a exercise thoroughly worthwhile,”

“Mark Player and the Hong Kong Jockey Club are to be totally commended as it is a pleasure to be here at such a well organized event.” O’ Shea added.

O’Shea has the grey star in peak condition for Sunday’s big race and is in his preferred option of the mile race, when initially he was to run in the Cup (2000 m).

"I'm extremely grateful that the Hong Kong Jockey Club have allowed us to switch back to the Mile," O'Shea said.

"I think the horse will be better suited in the 1600-metre race."

Racing To Win could face a clash with Hong Kong's rising star Happy Zero who was a brilliant winner of the Sprint Trial but will contest the mile race instead of the sprint.

Racing To Win has had three starts over 2000 metres or further with his best result a second to Scenic Shot in the Doomben Cup (2020m) in May.

He is a three-time winner over 1600 metres, highlighted by his Doncaster-Epsom Handicap double in 2006.

“He has done particularly well in this latter part of the week leading into the race which is thoroughly pleasing and he has a very good blood profile,”

“I couldn’t fault his work he’s been nice and sharp and is fit and healthy, as Hugh would attest too.” O’Shea added.

Ambers Waltz with champion hoop Corey Brown in the saddle treated her rivals with contempt at Rosehill Gardens this afternoon in the 2YO Open Handicap over 1100 m.

Last Saturday at Randwick it was the smart Solar Charged creating a massive impression and Ambers Waltz confirmed the Randwick trainer has a juvenile team like never before.

“They are probably the two smartest two-year-olds I’ve trained,” O’Shea said.

O’Shea said a final decision is yet to be made on the filly’s immediate future but it was probable that Ambers Waltz would have another start before going to Queensland for the Magic Millions in January.

“Keith [Biggs] sent the horse to me with the proviso she had to be set for the Magic Millions so I’d say he’s got his heart set on running in that race,” O’Shea said.

Very smartly into stride, Brown secured Ambers Waltz into a lovely trailing spot on settling, in behind the leaders, one off the fence.

Brown eased three wide on straightening and she powered to the front with considerable ease and was clear of her rivals inside the final 100 metres by 2 ¾ lengths.

 “A very special filly,” Brown said.

“What she did today was on raw ability.”

“She was never 100 percent in herself, she sort of stop started but she’s got plenty of upside.”

Both O’Shea and Brown refused to put either Ambers Waltz or Solar Charged in front of the other on ability but they both agreed that the two fillies possess differing qualities.

“They both have the same amount of ability,” Brown commented.

“Solar Charged is definitely a ready to go horse, she’s push button, whereas this filly, I know she won and won with ease, but I doubt the penny has dropped yet.”

O’Shea said Racing To Win had taken the flight in his stride, arriving in sound order.

“He travelled well,” O’Shea said.

“The horse is safe and sound and ate up when he arrived.”

Racing To Win will have a couple of easy days and O’Shea will be guided by his grey star before he steps up his work leading into the Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin on December 13.

“I had him spot on where I wanted him before he left so it’s a matter of how the horse does over the next 48 hours that will tell me of what lead up work he will under go,”

“He doesn’t need much, he’s there fit, sound and healthy.” O’Shea added

The crowd was given a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with “stable star” Racing To Win, before he jets out tonight for his campaign in Hong Kong. 

Also of great interest was Saturday’s impressive winner and nominal Golden Slipper favourite, Solar Charged.
Horses now managed by Champion including Military Gal, Petraeus, Perfect Hussey, The Starlet, Renediym and Under Direction were paraded for their owners. 

Many of these will be heading to the track within the next week with high hopes. 

Military Gal will be contesting the Magic Millions 3YO ($100,000) race at Wyong next Sunday with Corey Brown in the saddle. 

Perfect Hussey and The Starlet will compete at Kembla Grange next Saturday and Petraeus is set to have his first start at Rosehill next week.

Three of Champions 2YO’s, the Anabaa/Al Bayan filly, the Galileo/Tiffin colt and the Commands/Montecatini colt were on show after having only just returned to the stable and all looked extremely well. 

Shares are still available in all three who were given a good reception by those in attendance. 

For information on these horses, contact Jason or Megan from Champion Thoroughbreds on (02) 9436 0795.

Post race O’Shea declared the filly was the best two-year-old he’d put a bridle on since her father Charge Forward.

“I didn’t think there was much between her and her father at the same stage,” O’Shea said.

“You hope and think those sort of things and it is just nice when you see them do what she’s done today.”

Winning jockey Corey Brown was also extremely high in his praise for the filly saying it was an unbelievable performance.

“For mine she’s the most impressive juvenile I’ve ever won on,” Brown said.

“The top of the ladder by far.”

“We were rolling out in front and she quickened off a hot tempo, amazing, she was very comfortable throughout the run.”

Solar Charged showed she possesses an abundance of natural speed, flying out of the outside gate to shoot across the field but Platinum Choice was set on having the lead and super hoop Brown was content to sit outside his rival.

The leaders had the field strung right out and on straightening Solar Charged ambled up to take over before shooting away and going to the line, widening her winning margin, with every stride.

“She’s a real professional,” O’Shea said.

“You can do whatever you like with her.”

O’Shea said he would give Solar Charged a break now before the filly comes back for the feature two-year-old races in the autumn.

Racing To Win had been accepted to line up in the Hong Kong Cup but trainer John O’Shea approached the race club on Monday with a request to switch races.

O’Shea said the failures of Hong Kong Mile entries Ortensia and Gold Salute in the Railway Stakes had also prompted a rethink.

“I’m extremely grateful that the Hong Kong Jockey Club have allowed us to switch back to the mile,” O’Shea said.

“I think the horse will be better suited in the 1600 metre race.”

Racing To Win worked strongly at Randwick on Tuesday morning and will have his final lead-up gallop on Friday when he clashes with Randwick’s other Hong Kong bound galloper, All Silent in a Randwick jump-out.

O’Shea said racing enthusiasts who would like the chance to see Racing To Win in the flesh can attend a Champion Thoroughbreds open day at his Randwick stables on Sunday.

“We are going to parade him at the Champion Thoroughbreds open day on Sunday,” O’Shea said.

“Anyone wishing to attend should call the stable on 02 9326 6563 to reserve their place.” O’Shea added.

SYDNEY, Monday 23 November 2009 - This Sunday (29th November) John O'Shea will be holding an open day for Champion Thoroughbreds. 

Berry said no horse had ever given him the feel that he got when the John O'Shea-trained galloper burst out of the pack 200 metres from home.

“I’ve ridden my fair share of good horses like Delago Bolt and Gold Trail but I haven’t ridden a horse that felt so good under me,” Berry said.

“It was a pretty awesome feeling.”

“I knew he was going to go when we got clear but he exploded.” Berry added.

In the run it appeared Informality was going to be the hard luck storey of the day when held up behind a wall of tiring horses inside the final furlong, but Berry’s patience and persistence payed off with a storming run in the final stages.

“He’s a really nice maturing horse on the way up,” O’Shea said.

“He’s taken a while for me to get him right this prep, he’s been in work four months.

“I said on radio this morning that I haven’t missed him and it was good to see him deliver.

“A good patient ride from Nathan too, I was a bit nervous there for a while but it all ended up working out.”

O’Shea said Informality had a setback in the paddock following his run in the Group II Queensland Guineas back in June but even though time is against him he’d like to run the four-year-old in the Group II Villiers (1600m) at Royal Randwick on December 19.

“He might struggle to get a run but being in at this time of the year we hope to get him into the Villiers,” O’Shea said.

“If he gets a run he’s going to be competitive.”

Team O’Shea then capped off a great day when Honest Lies won his second race in five days when taking out the Metropolitan Demolition Group Handicap over 1400 m.

Raced under the Champion Thoroughbreds banner, Honest Lies, made it three wins on end when young apprentice Timothy Bell guided the three-year-old to a strong win.

“He’s an intelligent young rider and with some more practice he'll continue to get better,”

“He rode that horse very well today.” An ever astute O’Shea added.

Trained at Randwick by John O’Shea Honest Lies won with moderate ease Melbourne Cup Day at Kembla Grange and replicated a similar performance today with champion jockey Hugh Bowman in the saddle.

Cleanly away from the gate Bowman capitalized immediately on being able to take up a handy position and once settling found himself leading and dictating terms.

Bowman gave Honest Lies a leisurely time in front mid race and once rounding for home Honest Lies gave a strong inside the 300 m mark to seal victory and be eased down a length clear on the line.

“He’s a nice young progressive horse that is graduating through his grades on ability which he has shown us right from day one.”

“What he’s doing now is a little bit of a bonus as in twelve months time we would expect that he will really start to show us his best.”

O’Shea stated he would wait until he has assessed how his horse has pulled up before committing to a next move for Honest Lies.

Bowman highlighted that he was definitely a horse on the way up.

"He's been going really well at home and he is learning all the time,"

"Possibly we will see him in better graded races as time goes on the way he is learning." Bowman added.

Donnas Honour worked very sharply in company this morning on the Randwick course proper with race day rider Tim Clark in the saddle.

She was set out in company and clocked 1.25.28 overall for the 1200 m and worked strongly up the running, home her last 600 m in 37.71 seconds, accounting for her work partner with moderate ease.

The Honours List Mare will have her second start under O’Shea on Saturday at Rosehill Gardens in the Fillies & Mares Benchmark 85 Handicap over 1400 m.

“There’s know doubt Donnas Honour is a mare on the way up, as she has come along in tremendous order since joining us and looks too have taken a good bit of improvement since her first up win.” O’Shea said.

“She steps up to Saturday grade but it does appear a nice race for her at this stage of her preparation, her work this morning was very good without over exerting herself.” O’Shea added.

O’Shea will also be represented on Saturday at Kembla Grange by Hussonet filly Perfect Hussey.

“Perfect Hussey was good this morning and we expect her to be competitive back to her own age and sex on Saturday,”

“It will be only her second start so for a young inexperienced horse we just hope to draw a barrier, which will aid her chances immensely, I’m very happy with her all the same.” O’Shea commented.

Pravana lines up in the Group 2 Matriarch Stakes (2000 m) and looks to have a great sense of timing about her into the race.

“Her last run at Moonee Valley was very, very good and it was only the extreme outside barrier that beat her really as her closing sectionals were exceptional.” O’Shea said.

O’Shea highlighted that the Anabaa mare was looking for that extra distance at this stage of her career.

“She is obviously out of a staying mare and her family suggests that the mile and a quarter should pose no problems, Damien has the same opinion after being on her.”

Champion hoop Damien Oliver retains the mount on Pravana and although up against talented Group 1 winning mare Purple and other form runners O’Shea has an ere of confidence.

“Look it’s the Spring Carnival everyone is aiming at the same prizes its always a tough arena but I’m very happy with the order that Pravana is in and she will be at the top of her game come Saturday,”

“She’s drawn ideally and will get in with significant weight relief so it would be nice to see her get a most deserved win.” O’Shea added.

On the support card at Royal Randwick O’Shea has Starring To Win and last start winner Peace Academy.

“Starring To Win is building nicely and will get to Saturday needing the run but does perform well when in that state.”

“Peace academy has made a nice bit of improvement since her win and will run well with no weight on her back.”

“It is a fair step up for her but her work has been strong at home and her over all well being is very good which indicates to us that she will be competitive.”

SYDNEY, Tuesday 3 November 2009 -  Honest Lies raced away in the Wollongong Central Mdn Plate over 1300m today at Kembla Grange. 

After jumping well from an inside barrier he settled in the box seat before moving off the fence coming to the home turn. 

Given a lovely trip in transit by jockey Jason Lee, The O'Reilly colt pulled away in the straight to win comfortably on the line by 3 1/2 lengths. 

After over racing in his last start at Randwick, the blinkers were removed producing a stunning result at just his fourth start. 

Honest Lies had been a dual acceptor at both Randwick and Kembla Grange, but after drawing poorly at Randwick and well at Kembla Grange, O’Shea opted for the Kembla Grange option which franked his assessment.

This win capped off a good day for the O’Shea yard, following closely after an exciting win by Strawberry Field at Flemington in the Herald Sun Stakes.

Nick Hall aboard Strawberry Field was sweeping down the centre of the track with an unimpeded run and arriving at the line the best horse in the race.

When Craig Williams eventually extricated Ortensia out into open spaces, Strawberry Field was already on level terms and in full flight proving too good in the run to the line.

“This is a big thrill for all of her owners and the stable,” winning trainer John O’Shea said.

“She’s a mare that I’ve always held in high regard and it’s great for her to finally break through at stakes level.”

O’Shea said spacing Strawberry Field’s runs suits the mare but he is weighing up an option to back the daughter of Encosta De Lago up on Saturday week in the Summoned Stakes over 1500m at Sandown.

“She’s done very well since getting to Melbourne and I’ll see how she comes through today before I make a decision,” he said.

On debut for O'Shea in the FREEWAY HOTEL TEXAS POKER F&M HANDICAP over 1250 m Donnas Honour looked in all sorts of strife in the running, jockey Tim Clark finding himself three deep last without cover it seemed as if it would be an un-winnable position.

Once settled Clark showed patience and balanced the Honours List mare spotting the leaders some five lengths.

Straightening for home Donnas Honour ate up the ground down the outside and was strong late to steal victory by a quarter length.

“She’s made really nice progress since joining us and we expected her to run a good competitive race today,”

“Timmy was in an awfully awkward spot at the 600 m but he redeemed himself and she will only take improvement from today.” O’Shea said.

O’Shea is happy to go in quietly under the radar and let his horses do the talking and all bodes well for the astute conditioner, evidence of this was this morning at his Melbourne base of Flemington putting Racing To Win, Fist Of Fury and Olonana through their paces.

“Racing To Win has been going particularly well this entire preparation and he has continued that since arriving in Melbourne,”

“He worked in good order this morning and he is where he needs to be for the Mackinnon Stakes, in saying that he will need to be at the top of his game its WFA Group 1!” O’Shea put sharply.

Racing To Win clocked 1.51.86 for the mile this morning and roared home his last 600 m in 36.72 seconds.

“We have obviously faced some frustrations with Fist Of Fury this time in, he’s been in great order every time he’s lined up but he would be in as good a order as I’ve seen him, as was seen here in his work this morning,”

Fist Of Fury was 1.25.56 for the 1200 m and roared up his last furlong in 11.30 seconds.

“It would be nice to draw a barrier and just have him that pair back from where he was the other day at Caulfield, we’re very happy with him and subsequently expect him to fire on Saturday.” O’Shea added.

“Olonana didn’t do a lot this morning and didn’t need too as she was very good in her work here on Saturday morning, we can’t wait to get her too the races on Saturday.” O’Shea quipped.

Olonana gets the services of super jock Corey Brown in the Salinger Stakes (1200 m), Racing To Win in the Mackinnon Stakes (2000 m) has regular rider Hugh Bowman and Danny Nikolic takes over the reins on Fist Of Fury in AAMI Business Insurance Stakes (1400 m).

Peace Academy was most impressive when dispatching of rivals at Canterbury Park this afternoon.

A lovely positioned ride by young apprentice Tommy Berry who said it was as simple as following the bosses orders.

“Mr O’Shea just warned me of not getting trapped back on the rail too far from my inside draw,”

“And that when I settled that I was comfortable and from there the run came, Mr O’Shea said she would give me sight, full credit to the mare it was a really good effort.” Berry said.

The Royal Academy mare jumped well and travelled beautifully on the rail within four lengths of the leaders who injected solid tempo into the race.

She then was threaded through for an inside run from Berry and came quickly when asked, sniping through to be ahead by a length on the line.

Speaking from Melbourne, O’Shea opted to take Pravana across to the Valley from his Flemington base yesterday morning to gallop on the course proper at the Breakfast With The Stars.

Pravana will be second up ahead of Saturday’s Tesio Stakes (1600 m) contest with Champion hoop Damien Oliver retaining the mount.

“Pravana is in the best order I have had her in, she was in dyer need of the run first up an performed well,” O’Shea said.

“She has taken a heap of improvement since her Flemington run and is really looking for the mile,”

“Her work this morning was lovely and handled the Valley circuit with ease so all bodes well for Saturday, we look forward to taking her too the races and will only be aided by Damien in the saddle.” O’Shea continued with an ere of confidence.

The first of those runners is in the 3YO Fillies Benchmark 70 Handicap over 1250 m in the form of Lagerphone who is coming off an exciting win at Canterbury two weeks previous and although O’Shea’s concerns are out of his control he is happy with the way in which the daughter of Fastnet Rock is heading.

“Look Lagerphone has drawn poorly which is obviously very disappointing as we are looking to build some momentum with this filly,”

“She is in a great healthy state and although second up can always be of concern, has taken improvement from her last start win.”

O’Shea hinted that a trip down to the Spring Carnival riches could be on offer for Lagerphone.

“We are looking at taking her down the line and expect a positive run as there are a couple of lovely races for her in Melbourne.”

“We’ll worry about tomorrow first and from the gate she will ridden where she is comfortable which is probably going to be back and we just want too see her attacking the line.” O’Shea continued.

The ever promising Peace Academy and Dual Diamond both contest the Fillies & Mares Benchmark 75 race and are weighted extremely well.

“I'm pretty happy with where both these mares are at to be honest, both have turned a bit of a corner since their last starts, they are progressing lovely.”

“Both appear to be well in at the weights and have drawn soft which is positive and I would expect both mares to get a nice run in transit,” O’Shea continued.

“I can’t fault either of them heading into tomorrow’s race.”

Tomorrow’s midweek meeting on the Kensington Track at Royal Randwick Honest Lies will take his place in Race 5 NMW 3YO C&G event over 1300 m, donning the Champion Thoroughbreds silks.

Champion Thoroughbreds has taken over the management of what were previously Storm Thoroughbred horses and are looking to implement a new level of racing with syndicated horses.

Along with trainer John O’Shea, Champion are launching the premium solution to racehorse syndication and ownership and director Jason Abrahams said it was an obvious landmark day for the new venture.

“It’s been a long time coming and all the preparation that is done to put things in place in launching what we believe is a superior product within the industry,”

“Speaking to John he says Honest Lies is in great shape for his race tomorrow and he expects him to be extremely competitive.”

Honest Lies gets the services of Tim Clark tomorrow he speaks very bullish of the son of O’Reilly’s chances.

“Since his first run he has really come on and I’ve been riding him work and his work has been really good, John’s got him going along real good,”

“Blinkers on for the first time tomorrow and cut in the track wont be a problem for him as he’s had a couple of searching gallops on rain effected surface and flown.” A confident Clark added.

Clark also commented on the second of O’Shea’s runners Cara Carabini being a huge hope in the 2400 m staying event.

“Cara Carabini has been super in his last two runs, I haven’t been on him but if he can replicate that sort of effort he will be thereabouts when it counts, I sat on him this week and he was very well and worked solidly.” Clark said.

Dralion took out the CORRADO & FRANK F&M MDN HCP over 1400m and did so in style to suggest better things are ahead for connections.

The daughter of Tale Of The Cat and former O’Shea trained top filly Zummanity was equally away from the barriers and not hustled but let relax into position a little worse than mid field off the rail.

As the field rounded for home Dralion spotted the leaders some five lengths and traveled beautifully with cover, race day rider Jon Grisedale gave her a peach of ride and presented her in clear galloping room where she descended upon leading rivals to dispatch of the field a length clear on the line.

“What a really positive result for this filly to do this on her first race day outing.” O’Shea said.

“We see her as a very promising staying conveyance and the 3YO Autumn has always been where we have been looking to with this filly, so for her to perform like that is obviously encouraging going forward.”

Dralion will now be spelled according to O’Shea and be brought back for a serious campaign tilted at the AJC Oaks should all things be rosey.

“We will be just riding him a bit quieter than we did last start, I can’t fault the horse leading into Saturday and is in exceptional order,”

“We will present him in a grand state there on Saturday and leave it in Hugh’s well capable hands to negotiate us good run and present the horse in the final stages of the contest.” O’Shea said.

“We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t expect to be competitive.”
Racing To Win will carry the top weight of 58.5 kg which no horse in the last twenty years has been able to do to victory.

Weight will not be of any concern to O’Shea and co. as the super grey carried a mammoth 60kg two starts back in the Theo Marks at Rosehill Gardens and won comprehensively, like the top weight that he was.

Lagerphone was saluted in the Chifley Financial Services Plate over 1100m for 3YO fillies, but it was before a moment of anxious waiting when starters had trouble loading the heavily supported favorite.

Once loaded the daughter of Fastnet Rock jumped brilliantly from the outside alley and jockey Hugh Bowman dragged her back to snuffle last on the rail.

The field peeled from the inside rail and Bowman presented Lagerphone with an inside run and not overly comfortable in the slow going but when asked she knuckled down to task and reeled in the leaders to dispatch of her rivals for a comprehensive victory.

"She hasn't got it down pat yet, but she's a filly that is going the right way,"

"There's no doubt she's above average.” Bowman added.

O’Shea watching from Melbourne, as he oversees Racing To Win’s preparation for the Toorak Handicap this Saturday was delighted.

“Just a really nice filly that obviously had good form going into today’s race but has done the job with a heap of improvement in her, she’ll be in better races.” O’Shea said

Coming off the narrowest of defeats last start against boom mare Madame Pedrille, Strawberry Field looks to have taken no ill effect from what was a mammoth effort in the Nivison Stakes, when galloping on the Kensington grass this morning.

Set out in company over 1000 m she was clocked in an overall time of 1.10.82 and when asked, quickened up very precisely inside the final 400 m working up alongside and accounting for her mate on the line easily enough in 24.70 seconds.

“Strawberry Field we could not of hoped for her to be in any better mental and physical state after her good first up performance,” O’Shea commented.

The daughter of Encosta De Lago will contest the Benchmark Rating 90 Fillies & Mares over 1200 m with 3kg claiming apprentice Taylor Lovelock-Wiggins booked to ride.

“She’s come through the run really well and has progressed nicely, probably the two weeks between runs second up could be the only concern after she put in such a big effort first up.”

“This is the path we’ve decided to take and couldn’t be happier with her, so it’s all positive from our point of view.” O’Shea added.

All five of the Champion horses will be paraded for new owners and also prospective owners from 9.30 am at John O’Shea’s Randwick Stables, 28 High Street.

John will be on hand to discuss all prospects and answer any questions.

The five horses consist of four colts, More Than Ready/Danehill Lass, Commands/Shanghai Moon, Galileo/Tiffin, Commands/Montecatini and a Anabaa filly out of Al Bayan.

Everyone is welcome so if you would like to meet John and the staff from Champion as well as view a new purchase or prospective purchase then feel free to turn up.

Coffee will be available and you are encouraged to come to John’s stables and feel the atmosphere of a Spring Carnival racing team.

“It would appear that our first experience with the new Racing NSW Benchmark Handicapping System has some significant teething problems.” O’Shea commented.

This comes after O’Shea’s up and coming stable star Strawberry Field went agonizingly close with an almighty effort, just missing in the Nivison Handicap on Saturday at Royal Randwick.

A disgruntled O’Shea goes on to highlight his frustration post Strawberry Field’s performance.

“Strawberry Field went into the Nivison on Saturday a Rating 76 horse and was perhaps somewhat unlucky, nevertheless ran second and has come out of the day a Rating 90!”

Strawberry Field on the other hand has accumulated a mere $75,000 in prize money and is yet to win a Metropolitan Saturday class race.

In this instance the problem does not stop there for O’Shea with Strawberry Field as an attempt to now find a race for the daughter of Encosta De Lago is virtually non existent.

“The only suitable race in the next six weeks here in NSW is a Welter Handicap against the Colts and Geldings which is a significant jump in grade from the restricted midweek mares company that Strawberry Field raced in two starts ago.”

“It would appear that one of the major flaws in the system is that it discourages those with lightly raced up and coming horses from running in stakes races.”

A some what disheartened O’Shea explained that if having the misfortune of running well but not winning as was the case with Strawberry Field on Saturday, you are then forced and be excluded from going back to restricted company in the future.

Racing NSW has been attempting for the past six years to provide participants in the state of NSW with a functioning, effective programming and handicapping system which has hardly been the case, as O’Shea summed up.

“The latest attempt is anything but adequate!” O’Shea fired.

“Hopefully the teething problems are rectified in the immediate future so that my owners and I are not significantly disadvantaged by a flawed system which has been rushed into action.”

The John O’Shea trained Zabeel gelding was sent out an odds on favorite and had his fair share of obstacles to overcome before the jump and in the run.

From the outside alley and carrying top weight Zabrasive jumped on terms and was posted deep before settling.

With champion Sydney hoop Hugh Bowman in the saddle Zabrasive was urged forward to park outside the lead.

Mid race tempo was injected into the contest and Bowman held and therefore had Zabrasive in the box seat straightening for home.

Zabrasive responded 350 m out to put the result beyond doubt and was eased down on the line coasting in by three and a half lengths.

“Zabrasive is a horse we have always had plenty of time for and we won’t be rushing him into anything if he is not ready.” O’Shea said.

“It is only his second start and in our minds we’ve always had him penciled in as a promising prospect in the Autumn, so that will not be jeopardized.”

O’Shea was unsure where Zabrasive would appear next as he did have a couple of options in mind but would wait and assess how Zabrasive has come through the run.

The ever so honest Music Review contests the Cravan Plate over 2000 m, she galloped solo over 1600 m in 1.54.53 and was home her last 600 m in 38.71 seconds.

Race day rider Tim Clark was exceptionally happy with the work of the Singspiel mare.

“She’s just improving all the time in each of her preparations since she came over here,”

“This is her third prep and her work this morning was tip top as good as it’s ever been.”

Clark highlighted, although the Nominations appear strong Music Review has a good second up record and gets to a distance which is far more suited.

“She has never been a flash track worker but this morning she really worked well within herself,”

“The forecasted showers will only help.” Clark added.

 Holding a Nomination in the Angst Stakes is Silently who O’Shea has ticking over and on the strength of her work this morning would suggest she too is ready to run a race.

Silently, a stakes winner at track and distance, recorded 1.22.66 for 1200 m and clocked her final 400 m in 24.72 seconds.

O’Shea will also have two runners in Melbourne at Flemington this Saturday in Fist Of Fury and Pravana racing in the Gilgai and Blazer Stakes, respectively.

Trainer John O’Shea had a strong team of horses work, and all were of a very high standard, there was one obvious thoroughbred that you couldn’t go past.

It was none other than Racing To Win who always attracts mass attention and his appearance this morning was just that.

O’Shea’s Weight For Age warrior is coming off a devastating last start win in the Theo Marks Stakes (1400 m).

He was turned out in impeccable order as per usual and looked as every bit as tough and steely as he has ever been.

Champion Sydney hoop Hugh Bowman was legged aboard as O’Shea ordered the final touches on the grey superstar ahead of the Group 1 George Main Stakes (1600 m) this Saturday at Headquarters.

In his own time Racing To Win cantered off solo on the Kensington grass and worked off from the 1400 m mark, overall he stopped the clock at 1.36.94 and was chock full of running his final 600 m in 37.47 seconds, under his own steam.

“This is the race that we have targeted this preparation, he’s fit, sound and healthy and goes into Saturday obviously being a previous winner of the race and loves his home track at the mile and of course back to Weight For Age conditions,”

“Last time he won this race he put them away in the Theo Marks, just as he did the other day, and then came out won the George Main.” O’Shea commented.

O’Shea warned that it is no given but competitors would want to strip ready.

“On the strength of the Nominations there appears to be a bit of speed and it will be a truly run mile, it won’t be for the faint hearted.” O’Shea warned.

“Three year olds obviously get in with weight relief and can challenge, all I can do is worry about my horse and I’m delighted with his progress and the order that he is in and I know he can do it as he has done it before.” O’Shea added.

Also working sharply on the Kensington grass this morning were O’Shea’s other two Nominations for Randwick on Saturday in Strawberry Field and Viva Las both with their share of talent and on the strength of their work this morning they will both shape as competitive chances.

St Augustine has only been tested under race conditions once before and was impressive in defeat. The colt set a solid pace in that maiden on the Kensington track before rallying strongly when touched out by fellow colt Love Conquers All.

Love Conquers All saluted by a half length but the form from this maiden has already been franked with the third placed Sister Madly having little trouble when stepped up in grade at Rosehill last Saturday.

“They ran time in St Augustine’s race the other day which can usually indicate that form will come from such a race and subsequently the form was franked,” O’Shea said.

“This is a significant step up in class and I’m aware of the challenge St Augustine faces but he has come on since that run and his work on the course proper Tuesday morning was strong.”

“The race appears to be devoid of a superstar so to that end it’s quite open and I have no doubt that my colt has derived significant improvement from his first race, which will be necessary.”

St Augustine was singled out and purchased 2008 Magic Millions Premier Sale as a potential stallion prospect by O’Shea and success in the Heritage Stakes will quickly see his value as a stallion prospect dwarf that figure.

Twelve months ago O’Shea unveiled his crack sprinter Fist of Fury who won his first two starts before finishing second in the Group One Coolmore Stud Stakes.

Lightly raced mare Romanzo who contests the first of the F & M 1300 m Maiden O’Shea makes mention of the mare heading in the right direction.

“Romanzo had the unfortunate chance of being in a race that was abandoned last Thursday at Hawkesbury when the jockey strike took place, this was not obviously ideal but she is going particularly well,” O’Shea said.

“She has the awkward draw but we will be fairly positive on her and have her make her own luck she has taken all the necessary improvement from her first run.”

Somewhat frustrating is Cavities who has offered some thing but yet to breakthrough maiden ranks.

The Lonhro mare will race in the second division of the F & M 1300 m.

“Yes Cavities has been of frustration and she seems that when she has put her best performance forward she has always bumped into one a touch better on the day.”

“Cavities will have the services of 3 kilo claiming apprentice Taylor Lovelock-Wiggins, and he can put her in the race as she has a handy barrier and good weight relief.”

One mare that O’Shea has brought back from the dead so to speak is Nediyms Dream who has been nothing short of a model of consistency this time in and can be back in the winners stall in the Tibbie Stakes.

“I couldn’t be happier with this mare she is racing well and has pleased me immensely since Wyong,”

“She has drawn poorly, but the 1400 m on a bigger track is what will bring her into the race, there appears to be good speed which can only help, it will be up to Hugh (Bowman) to be able to give us a good run in transit.”

In the final race of the day is Dual Diamond who put in a gallant effort last time at Gosford.

“Weight beat Dual Diamond on the last occasion she was at the races, she is not an overly big mare and to carry top, it took a bit of the ping out of her finish.”

“She too has a poor draw, and by the final race of the day we should be able too get a grip on the way the track will be playing.”

On the same note O’Shea added that Dual Diamond had come on considerably from her very creditable last start.

“She does get weight relief which she will appreciate and her work at home has been of a good standard and kept showing good improvement in the last ten days.”

“Look, we were obviously delighted with the result on Saturday and I’m just as coy now seeing the way Racing To Win has come through the run,” O’Shea said.

“He has pulled up great and he will derive significant benefit from Saturday’s run which is all very positive heading toward the George Main Stakes.”

O’Shea furthered explained and emphasized that there is no such extensive planning as to where the wonder grey could end up post George Main Stakes on the 26^th September.

“I can assure you that there is no getting ahead of ourselves, we just take it day by day and ensure the horse is building his fitness levels and is in an overall healthy state.”

“We’ll head to the George Main and get him there at the top of his game, obviously his record speaks for itself at Weight For Age and tackling the Randwick mile,”

“I’m just looking at these next ten days and from there decisions can be made as to future options into the Spring, the horse comes first.” O’Shea emphatically added.

He will contest the Starlight Stakes over 1100 m at Rosehill Gardens.

Fist Of Fury underwent a solid hit out this morning galloping on the Kensington grass, as trainer John O’Shea put the final touches on the glamour colt.

Galloping in company he worked off from the 1000 m mark and sat off his partner.

As the pair balanced up and improved up the running from the 400 m and Fist Of Fury roared to the line inside the last furlong hitting the line with his partner with enormous gusto.

The overall time for the 1000 m was 1.07.30 and his last 400 in 22.92 seconds.

It was a serious piece of work that will have Fist Of Fury right up to the mark come Saturday according to trainer John O’Shea.

“We were just in need of nice crisp sharp piece of work like that and he is ready for Saturday,”

“I’m delighted with the condition the horse is in, and hopefully come Saturday no momentum is lost in transit and we get a good run and we can see the best of Fist Of Fury.”

“Jimmy Cassidy has been re-engaged for the ride on Saturday, he got a feel for him last start and now will have a fair idea what sort of horse he has under him,” O’Shea added.

This will be Fist Of Fury’s last Sydney start before O’Shea makes a decision of when he will embark on the Melbourne Spring riches.

The five time Group I winner was finally back in the winner’s stall, with top Randwick conditioner John O’Shea facing a constant battle against setbacks.

The ever astute O’Shea said the seven-year-old is as sound as he’s been for a long time which was evident when he weaved his way through the field before strolling clear for an easy win under 60kgs.

“He’s a great horse, everything was against him today,” O’Shea said.

 “I’m really emotional because he’s been a great horse to me," "This prep is the first time for two years we have been trouble free with him."

“You get up every morning and go and check his legs and never know what you’re going to find so this is fantastic.

O’Shea said Racing To Win will have his next start in the Group I George Main Stakes over the Randwick mile in a fortnight before he decides what races the horse will target for the remainder of his preparation.

Winning jockey Hugh Bowman said Racing To Win has been a great horse for a long time but he was surprised the gelding sprinted as quickly as he did when the run came.

“He surprised me the way he let down when we got out, it was the best turn of foot he’s ever shown me,” Bowman said.

 “He’s a very special horse, a real gentleman.

He’s basically the reason I came back early from England.”

Today's win will be somewhat intimidating to future rivals over the coming weeks.

Mega Excel will have champion Sydney jockey Hugh Bowman in the saddle when he contests the C & G Rating 75 Handicap over 1200 m.

Hugh Bowman elluded to the son of Exceed And Excel’s talent.

“This horse trialled really nicely this time in and gave me a great feel,” Bowman said.

“I know John is happy with his work back home and I think this should be a sign of better things to come from him.”

Bowman said it was an ideal starting point for him albeit some depth to the race.

“We will just get him where he is comfortable in the run and let him find his feet and balance him up to run to the line strongly.” Bowman added.

When brought to O’Shea’s attention of a so called inferior all weather dirt surface, O’Shea replied with anything but a negative assessment of the Randwick training surface.

“The dirt track is, and has been up to its usual very high standard.”

The training track has long been a very sound surface to exercise horses on as O’Shea further eluded too.

“It has been the foundation surface for a decade or more and will continue to be so.”

Also O’Shea added comments instilling confidence in Randwick owned horses.

“Owners should have the utmost faith in the wonderful facilities we have to work our horses on here at Randwick.”

A number of Randwick trainers echoed O’Shea’s sentiments and when asked, agreeing that the dirt is an instrumental exercising surface and has been kept at a more than acceptable standard.

Silently (Bowman) worked off from the 1000 m mark and recorded an overall time of 1.07.55.

O’Shea instructed Silently take a sit off her partner and as she was full of running turning for the post she spotted her mate two and half lengths and improved from the 400 m and dashed up the final furlong to account for her partner.

The Anabaa mare clocked 23.43 seconds for her final 400 m, overall the hit out was pleasing to O’Shea’s expert eye.

“She worked lovely this morning I’m really happy with the way she is coming along,” O’Shea said.

“In saying that on viewing the Nominations it is a very strong mares race and it is a big ask for her to tackle Hot Danish, Fritz’s Princess and the likes who have performed at the weight for age level.”

“It would be nice to draw a barrier and there to be genuine tempo in the race for Silently to really attack her opponents at the line.” O’Shea added.

Top jock Corey Brown has been engaged for Silently in the Research Stakes (1200 m) this Saturday at Rosehill Gardens.  

Sent out heavily supported favorite she never let the punters down as she won with considerable ease in her third race start.

Trainer John O’Shea commented that it was deserved performance for the Red Ransom filly.

“This is a nice filly that has been up against it in both her starts as she has drawn right off the track, but today coming out of the good gate we could ride her alot kinder.”

“It’s great for connections to get her on the board in her first racing preparation because she is still six months away from fulfilling her ability once she strengthens up that bit more.”

Kiss ‘N Chase jumped on terms and was settled one off the rail in behind the speed.

Rounding for the post it looked as though she may struggle for a run but a composed Tim Clark waited and produced the filly at the right time, who squeezed between runners showing a good turn of foot to win softly on the line.

O’Shea said Kiss ‘N Chase will now head to the paddock and be given a good bit of time out and with optimism that the filly will aim up in better company in the future.

In one of the feature events the Mona Lisa Smile Stakes O’Shea has a strong hand in the form of resurrected mare Nediyms Dream and the talented Polaway.

“Both mares are in very good order, Nediyms Dream is obviously the forwarder of the two and I expect her to be in the finish,”

“She has drawn to get a lovely run and she will be at the top of her game.” O’Shea hinted.

“Polaway needed the first up run and she has made significant improvement and her work has been really sharp,”

“She will bounce out, go forward and make her own luck which will suit the Wyong track, Chris Munce will ride.”

“It’d be nice to see both mares in the finish, there has been nothing to suggest that won’t be case.” O’Shea added.

Champion jockey Hugh Bowman will be aboard Nediyms Dream while Tim Clark has been engaged for O’Shea’s third runner of the day Kiss ‘N Chase in the F & M 1200 m Maiden Plate.

“Kiss ‘N Chase is a lovely filly and has done a good job to date. She has not been able to draw a barrier in her previous two runs, where as today she has, so we can ride her alot more comfortably.”

“She has enjoyed the extra time between runs heading into today’s race and I’m very happy with where she is at and expect her to be competitive.”

SYDNEY, Wednesday 2 September 2009 – Looking to build on what has been a solid campaign to date is the John O’Shea trained Legsman who is well in, in the 1MW 1800 m on the Kensington track today.

The rising stayer’s last start win was a performance that O’Shea believes the Pins gelding can build on.

“Legsman has been a model of consistency this time in and I’ve said all along that, what he does this preparation is a bonus for what he will do next time round,” O’Shea stated.

“The 1800 m is ideal at the moment for him and he gets in with an even weight, I’m very happy with him and he will give a good strong account of himself again today.”

Adding to Team O’Shea today will see the debut of St Augustine who has trialed strongly each time he has had a day out and he shows plenty of speed and will be an interesting runner in the first event of the day, 3YO 1150 m Maiden.

O’Shea also has French News which is first emergency and will run should it get one in the F & M 75 1150 m.

Highlighted by O’Shea on the progressive announcement is the usage of dormant assets of the AJC.

“This looks to be a wonderful innovative approach to what is a sleeping giant of the AJC’s asset base,”

“The AJC should also be commended in their attempts to develop a membership base exclusive to the Western Suburbs and Warwick Farm area.” O’Shea said.

O’Shea went on to state that the enormous steps that have been taken in a short time should put any suggestions of the AJC, STC merger on the backburner.

“From what the committee had to deal with from their inception, and to get to an announcement of this proportion in a short time should hopefully put to rest the view of a select few pushing for the amalgamation of the two Metropolitan Clubs.”

“It is a pleasure to wake up and have positive things written about our industry and we wait with great anticipation for the outline of the redevelopment of Randwick.” O’Shea added.

As well as significant track renovations, AJC Chairman Ron Finemore said, also included in the redevelopment would be refurbishments to, and enclose the main grandstand, cover over the betting ring, rebuild race day stalls and renovate the existing tie up stalls.

Permission To Land will contest the Fillies & Mares Rating 81 Handicap over 1600 m and her fast work this morning should be sure justification of a bold showing second up.

O’Shea put Permission To Land through a solid piece of work and it was very strong effort.

Set out over 1400 m Permission To Land stopped the clock with an overall time of 1.36.50 and improved sharply her final 400 m in 22.50 seconds and the work was completed in a stylish manner.

“I’m really happy with the order this mare is in she has had a trouble free preparation which has stood her in great stead for the Spring.” O’Shea highlighted.

“She is a lovely staying mare and second up over the Randwick mile on Saturday looks to be ideal,”

“Her work this morning and on Saturday morning was quality and on the strength of this we expect her to run a forward race.” O’Shea added.

Corey Brown has once again been engaged for the Permission To Land mount on Saturday.

The 1200 m NMW for C & G Not A Snip A Doubt will contest, coming off a good sixth placed effort where he was clearly doing his best work late.

“He is a fit and healthy horse and trained on particularly well, I could not fault him,” O’Shea said.

“It looks to be a strong race today all the same, but I was impressed with his last 100 m in San Domenico and that obviously indicated the 1200 m today he will run out well.”

Not A Snip A Doubt gets the services of Sydney’s champion jockey Hugh Bowman.

“I think you might see today that he will run well, as the 1200 m will suit him for where he is at, his work at home has been really strong.” Bowman stated.

The John O’Shea trained colt was the constant professional as O’Shea applied his finishing touches on the glamour colt before the Concorde Stakes on Saturday at Rosehill Gardens.

Fist Of Fury’s final hit out this morning was a quality polished gallop as he was set out solo over the 800 m and stopping the clock in an overall time of 50.28 and screamed home comfortably his final 600 m in 35.36 seconds.

“He will still improve of what ever he does, but he will strip in good shape to be very competitive come the Concorde on Saturday,”

“He has obviously had a really good break since he was last at the races, and in that time he has really furnished and is carrying all muscle.” O’Shea strictly appointed.

The impressive colt will reunite with Champion Sydney hoop Hugh Bowman who highlights that it is all ahead of the son of Hussonet.

“He is obviously a quality colt and John has him in terrific order and he continues to give me a mighty feel,”

“The Concorde looks an ideal starting point, he is lightly raced and now very strong and robust.” Bowman quipped.

Fist Of Fury will have possibly two starts here in Sydney before the top conditioner O’Shea will be forced to head south with him.

The Commands x Shanghai Moon colt and the More Than Ready x Danehill Lass colt looked in great order and they met many of their new owners and tempted a string of others.

"It was an enjoyable morning. We are building up a good clientele of loyal owners at Champion and it's great to see some of the owners who race horses like Military Gal continuing their patronage of the stable," said trainer John O'Shea.

"These two colts look outstanding and their new owners should be excited by the possibilities that lie ahead.

"They have been in my stable for a few days after breaking in well and will be returning to the paddock this coming week.”

"It won't be long and our next collection of two-year-olds will head to the breakers and then come in to have a look around the stable." Added Champion Thoroughbreds' director, Jason Abrahams.

Sentiments that were echoed by rider Corey Brown,

“He had traveled up over the rise like the winner and when I tried coming off the rail he was stopped in his tracks and lost all momentum,”

“Had we got a fair crack at them he would have been there.”

“He’s definitely back.” Brown warned.

The grand campaigner was a desperately unlucky fourth in the WFA 1400 m event at Royal Randwick after being cluttered behind runners for more than 100m down the straight.

“He might of put a few lengths on the leaders had he not lost momentum and that might of got him home,” trainer John O’Shea said.

“He looked as though he was going to go straight past O’Lonhro (who finished second) and he was only beaten three quarters of a length.”

Racing To Win will now head to the Theo Marks Handicap a fortnight from this Saturday at Rosehill Gardens over 1400 m  before issuing what will be an enormous challenge in the George Main Stakes at Royal Randwick back to WFA scale over 1600 m 26^th September.

Nicolai took out Race 3 the SCHWEPPES SPARKLING WATER MDN HANDICAP over 1200 m.

The Stravinsky gelding was fresh up in his third career start and put a on a good display giving a sight the length of the straight.

It was an authoritative win dictating from start to finish as Nicolai jumped from the outside gate.

Showing good speed he was immediately sent forward by jockey Tim Clark and took up the running.

Trapped one off the rail pressure was applied mid race on the inside of Nicolai before Clark was able to give him a rest on the speed.

Nediyms Dream powered to the line on the 8^th of August at Headquarters in a performance that looked as if she could be back to her stakes winning best when she will line up in the Toy Show Quality Handicap over 1400 m on Saturday.

O’Shea put the General Nediym mare through her paces with a strong hit out over 1200 m.

She was set out solo and was clocked in an overall time of 1.23.82 and improved from the 600 m mark and dashed up the last furlong finding the line strongly, her final 600 m in 37.49 seconds.

“The signs were definitely there before she resumed, she had had a good lengthy break and I was as happy with her as I had ever been,”

“That continues to be the case as well as she came through her run in tip top order and has worked sharply here again this morning.”

“She is obviously a last start winner and now has an edge of confidence which as we all know is important for mares especially to get their tail in the air on a winning note.”

“She will run well again and be competitive and she gives us a bit of confidence as she was just coming off the one trial into her last start and will strip a fitter horse come the Toy Show on Saturday,” O’Shea highlighted.

Fresh of winning the Bart Cummings Medal premier Sydney jockey Hugh Bowman will take the reins which will be of another tick in the box when O’Shea saddles up Nediyms Dream in the Toy Show Quality on Saturday.

Legsman was far too good in the opening event at Canterbury Park last Wednesday.

Sent out short priced favourite, the Pins gelding in the able hands of Premier Sydney hoop Hugh Bowman, was too good for his rivals over the 1900 m.

It was a timely victory as Legsman had been a model of consistency this time in, sentiments that were echoed by Bowman.

“He gives you a nice feel the horse and it was good to see that when he got things to suit he was able to put them away,”

“Showing he could do it is very pleasing, as he has put in great runs this time in and has improved of the back of each run.”

“Once he is given that next bit of time to strengthen up when he comes back he will have a nice race in him, once John decides where he wants to go with him.” Bowman added.

The ever articulate O’Shea was very mindful of the horse first and was undecided on the next move straight away.

“A good job done by the horse last Wednesday, he may only have one more run in him this time in, but I will monitor that over the next couple days,’ O’Shea said.

“If I decide he has one more run this time in then there are a few options but as I said it will depend on his progress over the coming week.”

“I’m really happy with the horse all the same as I’ve always been of the opinion that what ever he was capable of this preparation would be a bonus for what he will do next campaign.” O'Shea added.

Brown enthused that he is more than happy to take the reins.

“You watch and chase horses like Racing To Win and when you get the call up it’s an honour to be legged aboard them,” Brown said.

“He’s been such a good horse for a number of seasons and his run in the Doomben Cup showed there is life in the old boy yet.

“I’m really looking forward to getting on him.”

Racing To Win has been one of Sydney’s best gallopers over the past three seasons, claiming five Group I victories including the Doncaster and Epsom Handicaps.

Legsman represents O’Shea in the first of the day in the Set Weights Maiden over 1900 m.

The Pins gelding has been a model of consistency in his three runs this time in and is full of promise according to the top conditioner.

“Legsman I have been really happy with, in his racing and he is showing us that he is developing into potentially a very good staying horse,” O’Shea highlighted.

“He is fit and well and it would nice to get him on the board tomorrow so the horse can progress, he is a horse that will just keep getting better as he ages and he will run extremely well tomorrow, stepping up to the 1900 m shouldn’t trouble him.”

After lightning gate speed and a brave effort on debut last time Kiss ‘N Chase will contest the NMW 3yo Fillies over 1250 m.

“I am happy with where this filly is at she has made a nice bit of improvement and I expect her to come on from that.”

“Once again unfortunately she has not drawn ideally but will jump and should get a cart across outside the lead,”

“In doing that and if Hugh can give her a break with not to much effort asked then she will run well as she is a courageous type of filly.”

A New Zealand import in Runeasy comes to town for the first time and is third up in the Fillies & Mares over 1550 m.

“Runeasy, I couldn’t be happier with, she is a mare that has had a fantastic preparation to date and we have treated her as a bit of an individual case and she has continued to do well since joining us.”

“She has shown us a good bit of ability and third up, blinkers on, up to the 1550 m, drawn well I expect her to get race terms to suit which will obviously enable her to run well.” O’Shea commented.

The fourth runner Viva Las is a filly who resumes first up in the Rating 75 Handicap over 1100 m coming off a nice trial win.

Viva Las had one start in the autumn which she won and then was immediately turned out to the paddock.

“Nice filly, that if she keeps developing in the right way she will go onto some nice races,”

“She is just drawn awkwardly which means we will ride her conservatively and with the right run in transit she is definitely good enough to be competitive, as there does appear to be good speed in the race.” O’Shea added.

Legsman and Kiss ‘n Chase will get the services of champion hoop Hugh Bowman and Tim Clark will ride Runeasy and Viva Las.

As the rejuvenated Nediyms Dream saluted in the LEDA HOLDINGS F&M Handicap over 1300 m.

A somewhat disappointing Nediyms Dream last campaign caused frustrations for connections as the talented young stakes winning mare was far from her best.

Enter O’Shea; as he he turned the mare’s performance around with a classy first up effort today.

“She came in, in very good order from a good spell and we have just taken her along at her pace and she has told us when she is ready,” O’Shea said.

“This time in she has had a trouble free preparation and I thought she trialled particularly well and off the back off that her work has improved.”

“Today was about getting her to put in a good performance and hopefully she will derive some confidence from today.” O’Shea added.

O’Shea giving 3kg claiming apprentice rider Taylor Lovelock-Wiggins his first Metropolitan winner.

Nediyms Dream was cleanly away and matched strides early but the abundance of speed drawn outside her pressed forward and ensured genuine tempo throughout the running.

Lovelock-Wiggins had the mare traveling behind midfield two off the rail and carried out O’Shea’s instructions as he kept a hold of his mount until he descended up over the rise.

As the General Nediym mare looked as if she was going to be the hard luck run of the race patience shown from the youngster and the mare sniped through as the opening came.

Nediyms Dream responding with great gusto powering to the line in the last 50 m.

The next port of call for Nediyms Dream O’Shea said would be the Toy Show Quality Stakes back at Headquarters which looked a lovely race for her.

Cavities will start in Race 6 on the card the Fillies & Mares Maiden Plate over 1200 m and has displayed good solid work that will have her in good shape this afternoon with the assistance of barrier 1.

“Cavities has just had the one trial but has come forward in good order for her first start today and we are confident that she can be competitive,” John O’Shea said.

“Obviously from the 1 if Timmy can just hold a handy position and settle the filly,that will be the key.”

“We will just hope for an even surface and that the inside will be alright,” O’Shea added.

Tim Clark will has been booked for the duties aboard Cavities today.

Looking like a boy that has taken his steps into manhood this time around, Fist Of Fury imposed himself oozing quality as he breezed through O’Shea’s task this morning.

O’Shea set Fist Of Fury (Lee) out over 800 m in company, the pair were clocked in an overall time 52.23 and as rider Jason Lee sat off his partner coming up the running, he let the hulking son of Hussonet improve two furlongs out and give a kick again at the 200 m to work home his final 400 m in 23.40 seconds and appearing to do it with considerable ease.

O’Shea quietly content with how his glamour colt is coming to hand.

“Fist Of Fury just wasn’t right in the early part of the year and it was imperative that he be given the time, and then let him tell us when he is ready,” O’Shea instructed.

“I wasn’t just going to run him for the sake of it through the autumn and now he is in fantastic order, 30 kg heavier and now really looks ready to aim up in the Spring.”

Regular rider Jason Lee commented that the entire was definitely heading the right way.

“He is going great this horse, he feels super and that work this morning he did it really nicely and had plenty in the tank, he does have a sense of timing this horse,” Lee highlighted.

“Whatever John has in mind for him over the coming months I’m sure he will be a force to be reckoned with.”

Fist Of Fury trials this Friday at Royal Randwick in the first Heat of the morning which gets underway at 8.30 am, straight off a Darwin Cup Carnival freshen up will be champion hoop Hugh Bowman in the saddle.

The O’Shea yard will also trial the all conquering James HB Carr winner Silently, stable flag bearer Racing To Win and other young progressing horses looking to aim up come Spring time.

The one start 3yo Anabaa filly will have her first start under O’Shea’s guidance as she was formerly with another Sydney trainer.

Young rider Tim Clark has been engaged for Hobartville Stud owned filly and has liked what she has to offer since arriving in the O’Shea yard.

“French News is a nice filly that offers a bit, John has done a good job in getting her to settle in her new surroundings and that has really paved the way for her strong work over the last ten days,” Clark offered.

“On the strength of her work which has been of continual improvement, and that she has drawn a nice barrier she looks really well placed tomorrow.”

Clark has been on for all of French News’s work and said he was impressed with her work on Saturday morning to suggest that she would take a power of beating tomorrow at Gosford.

Top conditioner John O’Shea saddled up what looks to be a potential top liner when Speeding To Win had the race at his mercy but yet went down by a narrow margin, watching live, jockey Hugh Bowman appeared to make an awful misjudgment.

On face value there were claims Bowman had dropped his hands a considerable few strides from the winning post.

Bowman was charged and pleaded not guilty, stewards finally dismissing the case, without any consultation on the matter from O'Shea.

“The horses inexperience has cost him winning the race,” Bowman quipped.

“He has shied at something and we became very unbalanced and I’ve tried correcting him to the line and as the law states when a horse becomes unbalanced they must be corrected on their straight path.”

Speeding To Win could be mistaken for O’Shea’s stable star Racing To Win even the way in which when he was asked to quicken to the line he looked to have the same trademark killer instinct turn of foot that his Weight For Age Superstar similar namesake possesses.

The grey colt by Redoute’s Choice was cleanly away with pace from the machines and came straight back under Bowman when asked by the champion hoop.

Bowman then set the youngster a task of hauling in handy gallopers Canalli and Winter King and once Bowman displayed his qualities and had Speeding To Win balanced and a switch to the inside had him launch with great gusto towards the finishing post only to gawk at something a few strides out, costing him the race.

“There has been a lot of conjecture on Speeding To Win’s run on Saturday,” O’Shea explained.

“The inclement weather only allowed him to have one trial into the race which is uncustomary and was his undoing.”

“He will now be spelled and we will prepare him for the Magic Millions in January, we have a very high opinion of him and expect him to develop into a top Autumn 3yo.”

On the horse’s future from Bowman’s view,

“Bright, don’t worry about the eventual result that it was on Saturday,” was the premier hoop’s view.

The exciting youngster is coming off just the one barrier trial second placing in which he strode to the line in style.

O’Shea has exercised patience with the Redoute’s Choice colt and after a couple of searching gallops post trial, including this morning’s hit out which was right out of the top draw.

Confirmation from Sydney’s Premier Jockey Hugh Bowman on Speeding To Win creates a great anticipation for his debut start.

“This horse just gives a great feel, beautiful moving horse as was evidence in his nice trial effort,” Bowman highlighted.

“John has given him a couple of pieces of searching work and the horse has displayed a bit of quality which will stand him in good stead to run well and be competitive on Saturday.”

Super hoop Bowman takes the mount for Saturday and says it’s the manner in which the colt goes about his business.

Speeding To Win worked in company this morning with stable mate Riding To Win (Clark), whose work was of just as high quality.

The pair of greys were set  out over 800 m and stormed the clock in 50.99 and were let improve from the 600 m mark in which they roared up the running in 36.19 seconds.

Tim Clark’s assessment was short but on equal terms with Bowman when reporting to O’Shea on his mount.

“It’s been a while since a horse gave me a feel like that.” Clark added.

It looks as though O’Shea’s affinity with grey horses to follow his grey Weight For Age superstar Racing To Win has grown with another couple of extremely promising colts that will don the famous dark blue & pale blue chevrons.

Race 1 on the card sees O’Shea saddle up Tuscan Breeze a sibling to one of his stable stars Fist Of Fury.

Tuscan Breeze has had the one start earlier in the year and disappointed but O’Shea assures of a different galloper this time around.

“It’s been a little frustrating with this fella this time in but he’s up and going and we send him round tomorrow knowing he will be competitive,” O’Shea said.

“He’s had the one soft trial but we have laid a good platform for him to aim up tomorrow as he gets in carrying the 54kg.”

O’Shea calls on Tim Clark to take the mount and hopes he can continue his winning week.

Somewhat becoming a public favourite is 2YO filly Military Gal who has had the three weeks since her first up gritty victory.

Champion jockey Hugh Bowman is of the belief that his success on the General Nediym filly will happen again tomorrow.

“This filly is just an attractive all round package, she’s genuine and races very tractably in the running,” Bowman commented with glee.

“John has kept her ticking over and her work since her last win first win will have her give a big show tomorrow.”

“All the signs are there that she has trained on well,” the super hoop added.

Military Gal is owned by a big syndicate of owners who include sports radio 2ky personalities Terry Kennedy and Greg Radley.

Red Waratah will start in the RACING’S NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS HANDICAP over 1900 m.

Off the back of two handy race day outings where he romped home by seven lengths first up and then just got nutted on the line last time out over the mile at Wyong.

He steps up to the 1900 m tomorrow with young jock Tim Clark to take the mount fresh off bagging a winning treble at Warwick Farm today.

O’Shea sees no problem with the rise in distance and expects another top showing from the Red Ransom gelding.

“Third up tomorrow, and he has trained on particularly well I expect him to put another top performance in,” O’Shea said.

“He’s lightly raced and been given the time to mature as he lacked that maturity last time around,”

“He has to overcome the outside alley but his racing pattern in his last two outings suggests that in this field he can get to where we want to be in the running.” O’Shea added.

Red Waratah will be O’Shea’s sole representative at Canterbury Park but looks well placed to keep Team O’Shea in the spotlight.

Coming off a last start mid week victory at Canterbury Park he has shown all the signs of training on and deserving a crack at a Saturday class meeting.

O’Shea this morning set The Invincible One (Bowman) over 1000 m recording a time of 1.04.17 and scorching home in 35.26 seconds his last 600 m.

It was clearly the time honors of the morning and a fine piece of work that has the steely grey set to step up to the mark come Saturday.

“On the strength of that work this morning and his last ten days he’s a horse definitely heading in the right direction and the advert of rain effected going will only aid his prospects come Saturday,” said O’Shea.

Stable and race day rider Hugh Bowman equally as to the point and happy, as O’Shea.

“This is a horse you wish you had more of in the stable, he is just a genuine galloper and as you saw this morning I’m happy to be on him on Saturday.” Bowman added sharply in one gasp.

The Invincible One contests the Rating 75 Handicap over 1200 m on Saturday at Royal Randwick.

The Starlet trained by O’Shea was first past the post in Race 7 for Rating 65 Fillies & Mares Handicap only to have the race controversially called a no contest.

O’Shea hit out at race club officials and went on to explain the unfortunate incident.

“We were faced with the unfortunate scenario of winning a race on Saturday at Kembla Grange only to have the race be called a no event, which cost long suffering owners of The Starlet some well needed prize money.”

“It would appear there are some severe deficiency’s in the starting process which culminated in a calamity of errors which left the stewards with no other decision but to declare the race void,” O’Shea continued.

A horse was said to break through the gates and subsequently the supposed alarm was sounded by the starter in which only two jockeys heard.

There was also a gate that did not open properly which made it incapable for Taylor Lovelock Wiggins to allow his horse a fair start.

“The time has come for Racing NSW to fully analyse the Kembla Grange starter to get his job done effectively.”

“Saturday’s development was a very costly scenario for the owners of The Starlet, the Kembla club and punters.”

“This is nothing short of unacceptable at the second biggest meeting in NSW,” O’Shea sternly added.

O’Shea highlighted other such incidents in the past when there has been problems with the starting at Kembla Grange which furthermore added  even more strength to O’Shea’s sentiments of a overhaul at the Kembla Grange starting gates. 

Bowman was simply at his brilliant best when aiding Military Gal to the line.

“She is a ready made racehorse,” Bowman said.

“She does everything right. She jumps out, she quickens and she fights. Some horses take time to mature but some just do it and she just does it.”

The syndicate of owners erupted as the honest filly reeled her rivals in and on Bowman returning to scale.

O’Shea highlighted what a great syndicate of owners that are involved in Military Gal and was over joyed for the connections.

“A great bunch owners involved here and they’ve got a lovely filly on their hands that they are going to have some fun with,”

“Ultimately I’d like too think she will end up at the Magic Millions 3yo race in January.” O’Shea added.

Bowman's third salute of the day was when he scored aboard the John O’Shea trained gelding The Invincible One on the last event on the card, FREWAY’S GREAT STEAKS HANDICAP over 1250 m.

The Invincible One found support towards the close of betting firming in from $7 to 5.

Immediately from the outset from the outside alley Bowman had his grey mount one out one back on settling.

Rounding for home The Invincible One was let glide through his gears in the Heavy footing and got the break on the field to remain strong on the line victorious by three quarters of a length.

“He did a good job,” Bowman said.

“He had to work to get across from the wide gate and he responded well when I asked for an effort in the straight.

SYDNEY, Sunday 21 June 2009 - Leading Randwick trainer John O’Shea has resorted to blinkers to switch on promising gelding Rising To Win at Goulburn tomorrow.

The Viscount gelding resumed with a scintillating win at Gosford four starts when he looked grades above his opposition.

Punters have rallied to the gelding in three subsequent at Canterbury, Wyong and Gosford with the frustrating galloper starting favourite on two occasions. The money has stayed in the bookies’ bags each time.

The addition of blinkers looks an obvious gear change to bring out the best in Rising To Win.

Off the back of strong trial form which saw support for Red Waratah in the market justifying his romping five length win.

Ridden by young jock Tim Clark who hunted the Torryburn Stud owned gelding directly to the front of the field from a wide ally to dictate terms.

Clark was able to idle Red Waratah through the middle stages of the race on the heavy track.

Once turning for home Clark produced his mount and had the remainder of the field under pressure and simply left them in his wake.

Red Waratah put paid to the event within 100 m and coasted to the line in strong fashion.

“We were confident of running a race today first up but to suggest he would dominate like he did is pleasantly surprising,” O’Shea stated.

“He has shown enough in his two trials this time in, so to get him on the board first up is a nice result for the stable and connections.”

O’Shea had no grand plan at this stage for Red Waratah but added he will give him the chance to progress through his grades slowly.

The classy performer Lustre Lady looks ready to pounce to victory in the Fillies & Mare Handicap over 1400 m.

Running a luckless fourth first up on a bottomless track at Royal Randwick O’Shea believes tomorrow will be a different result.

“Look Lustre Lady we couldn’t be happy with,”

“She has come on as you would expect from her first up outing and had a very strong lead up into this event tomorrow.” O’Shea said.

“She’s drawn to suit and you can be expecting jockey Bowman to be giving her the gun run from there.” O’Shea added.

In the final race on the card a horse that has promised but yet to win this campaign is Starring To Win the lightly raced son of Stravinsky improved his performance at Canterbury Park last time out.

“He’s fit for tomorrow this horse and we have just taken him along slowly and held him back week because of the track conditions last week,” O’Shea explained.

“He’s drawn a marble again which always is of benefit and he can not be faulted in his preparation for his race tomorrow,”

“His work at home is always of a quality standard, it would be nice if the track is still holding together at that latter part of the day.”

Starring To Win does come from a strong form race last time around and gets into tomorrows race with minimum weight and the services of Chris Munce.

The tenacious Music Review will back up in the Brisbane Cup from a narrow defeat last Saturday in the W J Mc Kell Cup at Rosehill where she was piped by Ready To Lift for the prize.

Tim Clark travels to Brisbane to retain the mount and seems to get the best out of the ever consistent mare.

“Music Review is simply a fit and healthy horse that is racing well and since the outset we have always had the Brisbane Cup in mind for her,”

“I’m really happy with her well being and she ran a good mile and a half last week so we know she can do it.” O’Shea explained.

“There looks to be really reasonable speed in the race so from a handy gate if we can be camped just behind the speed we should get a nice track into it and carrying the 52 kg is of benefit on a track that we will get on Saturday.”

There’s no form like winning form and that’s exactly what Informality brings to the table when he contest’s the 1600 m Queensland Guineas.

“Informality is a nice progressive horse and they are only three once,”

“From what he’s done this preparation and what he has shown us we believe he deserves a crack at a nice race and the Queensland Guineas is the race.” O’Shea continued.

Leading premier Sydney hoop Hugh Bowman travels with two O’Shea runners and has opinion of both of them.

“I galloped Informality on Tuesday morning on the Kensington grass at home and it was just lovely work and showed us that he is a horse that has continued to go forward and he will run well on Saturday.” Bowman stated.

The final O’Shea runner with Bowman aboard is the juvenile filly Lagerphone who has impeccable form and has genuine excuses in both of her second placed outings.

“We like this filly she might just have a little bit of class and has raced very attractive in both of her starts, she has trained on particularly well,”

“She was very good on debut and second to what looks to be a smart one last start, she is a filly with quality and to be having a crack at some black type in her first preparation when the best is ahead of her is a fine effort in itself.” O’Shea highlighted.

With three strong chances at Brisbane, on the support card in Sydney O’Shea will fare with talented mare Lustre Lady at Royal Randwick who O’Shea says has continued to please at his Randwick home and gets weight relief with the services of apprentice Daniel Ganderton.

“It’s a very generous gesture by Tabcorp and we thank them greatly as they have got themselves involved in what’s going to be a happy fun filled day for the public to come and enjoy and experience what John O’Shea Racing and Champion Thoroughbreds is all about,” said O'Shea.

The Open Day starts at 10.30 am at John’s Randwick Stables which are situated at 28 High Street.

Register at championthoroughbreds.com.au

Or alternatively;

Ph Champion Office: 02 9436 0795

Ph John O’Shea Racing Office: 02 9326 6563

Coeur D’Or will go around in the Fillies and Mares Class 2 Handicap over 1350 m off the back of a promising third in town putting her first up blunder behind her.

“Coeur D’Or iS really starting to come on and I’m very happy with this filly in her lead up today,” trainer John O’Shea explained.

“Her work has continued to improve and get stronger and her coat has started to come on which is always a positive sign.”

After the last event at Hawkesbury being washed out Thursday week ago O’Shea has taken today’s option for Rising To Win, the Class 2 Handicap for Colts & Geldings over 1350 m.

“It’s a shame we didn’t get that run last week but we’ll push on to today and a bit more wet weather never hurts his chances,”

“He is fit and well, Hughy will have to be at his best as it is tricky barrier but that’s for him to worry about, as I said the horse is fit and well.” O’Shea added.

The problem was discovered in the daughter of Zabeel on Monday afternoon and required treatment, which rules her out of Saturday’s Group I.

There will be a BBQ morning tea and a coffee waiting for those who register to attend, and a parade of the yearlings ready to be syndicated by the team at Champion Thoroughbreds. John chased these yearlings at the sales and is excited to show them for clients.

Caroline Searcy will host the morning and will conduct interviews with John O'Shea as well as Hugh Bowman - John's stable Jockey, and the Champion Team. The panel will offer insights into how the stable works and why John selected these particular yearlings for his stable.

This is a great opportunity for people wanting the excitement and experience of owning a racehorse without the cost of owning a horse outright. These are high quality yearlings who have been given the best start in life through careful planning and professional management. Their journey however, is just about to start. If you have been thinking about a racehorse, join a professional stable outfit, register to attend, and see these 5 horses for yourself.

Call 02 9436 0795 to register now at www.championthoroughbreds.com.au. 150 attendees only.

The first on the card HAWKESBURY RACE CLUB MOTEL MAIDEN HANDICAP over 1300 m will be contested by Hand Picked.

Hand Picked has been there or there abouts in his brief career to date being interfered with heavily his last start but goes into today a fit horse according to John O’Shea.

“He’s been a bit hard done by here and there this horse but never the less there are no excuses,”

“He heads into today’s assignment with a good level of fitness about him and strong work leading into the event.” O’Shea said.

Hand Picked gets the services of Sydney Jockey Premiership contender Hugh Bowman and looks to be in well and get the race run to suit.

Also with Hugh Bowman onboard in the last race of the day in the HAWKESBURY RACE CLUB MOTEL RATING 65 HANDICAP over 1300 m is Team O’Shea’s other runner Rising To Win who won very impressively two starts back on rain effected going.

“With the rain around and even a bit more wouldn’t hurt this fella chance’s,”

“From the handy gate he will be there in the finish and we will look to do something similar to Gosford but hopefully be a pair or two handier.” Bowman enthused.

The track at Hawkesbury has come up a slow reading for the eight race card.

The big bulky Informality made it three wins on the trot when he toughed ROSEBERY 3YO HANDICAP over 1550 m.

Zephyria will contest the RICHMOND CLUB MITAVITE PROVINCIAL STAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL and looks incredibly well placed.

“Zephyria is a nice staying mare getting up in grade and it looks to be the ideal race for her on Saturday.” O’Shea stated.

Zephyria gets in with 53 kg  and meets last start victor and top weight Grizz 1.5 kg better off in the weights.

“She ran really well last start and is getting to her ideal trip plus the positive being she has improved off the back of her last start.”

Zephyria has shown each time a rise in distance has suited and been very strong over the staying trips displaying consistent form.

“She’s a horse deserving of a race like tomorrow this time in, she has done a great job, it will be nice if we can head out there, get the chocolates and enjoy a great day put on by the Hawkesbury Race Club.” O’Shea added.

The XXXX Gold Group 1 Weight For Age Doomben Cup, Racing To Win will contest next Saturday 16^th May, the big query for O’Shea’s grey wonder will be the 2020 m trip. 

Race statistic’s for the Weight For Age champ past the mile are less compelling than up to the mile, albeit very few attempts up over 1600 m.  

“At this current point of time it looks to be the most suitable race for him, after consultation with his owners Trevor Stuckey and Penny Yan and input from Hugh we believe this is the best option at this stage of his career.” O’Shea explained.

“We think that being that bit older if he was ever to run past a mile up to a mile and a quarter now would be the time.”

“I couldn’t be happier with the way he is going he truly is going fantastic.”

“It’s just a shame there hasn’t been an ideal lead up race as he is a fit and healthy horse.” O’Shea further explained.

Racing To Win has had minimal attempts past the mile as he has been Australia’s premier miler, the 2020 m of the Doomben Cup poses few doubts in the mind of super star jock Hugh Bowman.

“The horse is really going good, his work yesterday morning was right out of the top draw and he’s a lot fitter.” Bowman enthused.

“They’ve just run along to quick for him over the shorter race distance’s this time in and he hasn’t had a chance to settle.”

“If ever in his career he’s going to get over that bit further ground its now, the best part of his last couple of starts has been the last 100 m which has been very, very good.”

“To me, he looks really suited at this current point of time to a race like the Doomben Cup at a track such as Doomben.”

Bowman was excited and couldn’t wait to get back in the saddle which will be his first race day back from an incurred suspension on Doomben Cup day aboard Racing To Win.

“Look I know John (O’Shea) is very happy with the horse and that is all that matters.” Bowman quipped.

Racing To Win will be looking to add to his already five Group 1 wins and have his name further pegged up the champion list, which he defines.

Top Randwick conditioner John O’Shea produced a very good training effort when progressing filly Jessicabeel was far too good in the De Bortoli Wines Handicap over 1900 m.

Coming back from the mile and a half AJC Oaks trip to 1900 m this afternoon in the hands of super hoop Hugh Bowman, who put the sword to race rivals in a convincing one and three quarter length victory.

Today’s start against the older mares was used a test whether or not the Zabeel filly could book her trip north, which O’Shea stated she has come through with flying colours.

“A very good effort today, she will go north now.”

“It’s just a matter of us holding her together.” O’Shea said confidently.

The Doomben Roses O’Shea said would be used as the lead-up run in four weeks before starting in the Group I Queensland Oaks a fortnight later.

Bowman sent Jessicabeel forward from the outside barrier and travelled outside the lead before producing a turn of foot at the top of the straight that had her rivals well off the bridle and chasing her for home.

She was let rip and careered away easily from the field, Bowman holding her together to the line.

“She had come on since her run in the AJC Oaks and she’s done a good job today after doing a bit of work to get across.” O’Shea said.

“I’ve always had a good opinion of her and she is starting to string a few wins together now, as whatever she is doing now is a real bonus for the future.”

Bowman was equally complimentary.

“She’s racing very well this filly and deserved that win today, she’s a nice filly still on the way up.” Bowman added.

The victory by Jessicabeel gave premier rider Hugh Bowman a winning treble as he dominated the day’s proceedings in the jockey ranks.

O’Shea won the race last year and was confident heading into the race despite facing the highly regarded and short price favorite Ortensia.

Silently dealt punters a heavy blow in the first event of the day and justified ace race day rider Hugh Bowman's confidence when she came with a rattling run to upset the favorite in what was a thrilling first race of the day.

The Anabaa filly turned the tables on Ortensia when she ran fourth to her in the P J Bell over 1200 m at Randwick two weeks ago.

After settling Bowman had Silently near the tail of the field before straightening Bowman bought her to the outside to make her run.

Ortensia skipped clear when the field of three year old fillies straightened up for home.

As Silently was screaming down the outside she hit top gear near the 200 m mark and got over the top of Ortensia by a short half head.

“I thought stepping her up to 1400 m was really going to suit her and I was proved correct.” Bowman said.

O’Shea who was equally as confident was rapt in the result said it was just reward for his consistent filly.

“She’s been a model of consistency all preparation, she needed the 1400 m, she was very good late the other day.” O’Shea said cheerfully.

“As I said we needed the 1400 m and that was the key for us, I just thought she raced a little dour in the P J Bell, she appreciated the cut in the ground and I thought it was a great ride by Hugh.”

O’Shea said he was unsure if Silently would race again in the Autumn stating that she will make a lovely filly in the spring.

Bowman fresh from the Group 1 winners circle last Saturday will be out to add to that on Anzac Day.

“Tickets will be backing up from his very good run in the Sires Produce the other day and he is primed to win the Champagne, I can tell you.” Bowman quipped.

"John has taken the blinkers off and I think it is a postive gear change, as he raced a touch keen last Saturday, not bad, but after talking with John we don’t believe they are necessary this Saturday.”

“He is a genuine horse as it is and the mile is always going to suit him and he handles all going comfortably.”

The solid firm of O’Shea, Bowman and star grey galloper Racing To Win back up from last week and all possess an ere of confidence.

O’Shea put it simple, “This is his race and and what has been his target for the Autumn.”

Bowman added on the weight for age star’s lead up, “He just couldn’t keep up with them in the T J Smith the other day.”

“I was a bit surprised how they simply just flew along and we were never in the hunt. We step up to 1400 m which is more his distance and will enable him to settle.”

O’Shea praised the order in which Emancipation Stakes contender Pravana is in.

“Pravana I could not be happier with, the way in which state she is in.” O’Shea cheered.

“It is obvious her form is very strong, second to Neroli first up and then fourth in the Coolmore in the worst part of the track.”

“Hughy will give her a nice run in transit from a good alley and we expect her to be right there.”

O’Shea and Bowman both feature in the remainder of the card, all being strong chances.

They pair up in the first event of the day with consistent performer Silently in the James H B Carr Stakes.

SYDNEY, Tuesday 21 April 2009 – John O’Shea takes a strong hand into the final day of the AJC Autumn Carnival at Royal Randwick this Saturday.

“We are going into Saturday more suited as this has been the race John has set him for and we go up to 1400 m which will give him a chance to settle in the race.” Bowman explained.

“They just went along to quick in the T J Smith, Saturday he’ll be third up going in fit and healthy to a race in which he won last year.”

O’Shea touted trip to Queensland is on the cards with the Brisbane Cup the Singspiel mare’s ultimate aim.

Music Review was second up and improved sharply from her first up run when she wore down race favourite Joku on the line.

“I thought she was a run shy going into today and she will keep improving from this.” O’Shea said.

“The Brisbane Cup will be her ultimate goal.”

Race day rider Tim Clark put Music Review right in the race from the get go, allowing the mare to be on race leader Joku.

Joku kicked towards the line but Music Review finished best and her race stats read six wins from twenty starts with three of her wins in Europe before she came to Australia last year.

The imported five year old mare is proving she has the credentials to aim up to stakes company when last preparation she beat Enzedex Eagle and subsequent Doncaster winner Vision And Power at her second start.

The grey Weight For Age champion lumped around 61kg on a heavy track track at Rosehill two weeks ago and only beat three runners home.

Racing To Win, whose brilliant career which has been set back by injuries, was having his first start since triumphing in last August's Group Two Warwick Stakes.

"I thought his run was very, very good," O'Shea said.

"They didn't go hard and he got back in a slowly run race with 61 kilos on his back on a bog track and he couldn't pick up and that's something I don't think people have taken into consideration with his performance.

"But I'm very happy with him and the way he's pulled up."

O'Shea said what ever happens on Saturday, the run will prime Racing To Win for his defence of the Group One All-Aged Stakes over 1400 m at Royal Randwick on Anzac Day.

When asked about Racing To Win's opposition for Saturday premier hoop Hugh Bowman was straight to the point.

"He's never been beaten second-up," Bowman said.

"There will always be critics but if you look at that last race, they walked and I thought his performance had plenty of merit and he feels spot on to me. John is very happy with him and that's all that matters." Stated the champion rider.

Both O’Shea and Bowman were buoyed this morning by Racing To Win drawing barrier 2.

“That will do, small field with a stack of speed up front, Hughy will get comfortable and come very hard at them to the line, hopefully hard enough he will pick them up.” O’Shea quipped.

The T J Smith boast’s a who’s who of the current Australian Turf with global sprint giant Takeover Target, Apache Cat, Northern Meteor and last start Group 1 winners Nicconi and Bel Mer all contesting the Group 1 event.

The general feel from vendors was a touch gloomy and they had to quickly realize that prices were going to stumble and that to the overall averages.

Top Randwick horseman John O’Shea was active early in the depressed market picking up lot 146 the stylish filly by international champion galloper Starcraft out of speedy multiple black type winning mare Pay My Bail.

“Just a beautiful filly, and when a filly can move like her they are always of immense interest.” O’Shea said.

“A quality filly off a good farm and she obviously ticked a lot of boxes.”

“Since inspecting Starcraft’s stock they have been hard to fault and all possess a great walk.”

O’Shea secured the filly for $100,000 and admitted if you were well prepared it was a buyers market.

“Look in terms of the world situation the sale was obviously going to be back some what and today was that result being a some what buyers market.”

“I think there would have been a few buyers who tried and missed out this afternoon which will act and equate to more competition as we get further into the sale.” O’Shea highlighted.

The top lot on day one was lot 90 On Account of Makybe it was the Galileo colt from champion race mare Makybe Diva which was knocked down for $1,500,000.

Despite the mammoth top price the average for the first day was a tick under $227,000 significantly down from $338,737 on 2008.

There were 91 yearlings sold on Sunday for a gross return of $20.6 million.

Perfect was the simple word to describe O’Shea’s reaction when the official draw was done at midday at Martin Place.

“Perfect, its ideal for our colt we just want him bumped out and travel where he is comfortable.” O’Shea pressed lightly

“Wanted worked particularly well with Peter Moody’s runner this morning and it was work that is more than capable of winning the race on Saturday.”

“We are on track and the horse will be where we want him on Saturday, he’s had a good preparation that stands him in good stead for a big Golden Slipper run.”

Wanted completed his final piece of serious work before Saturday and in a rousing track gallop took the honors for the morning of the course proper gallops at Royal Randwick.

Wanted was set out over 800 m and partnered by fellow Slipper runner the Peter Moody trained Reward For Effort.

Wanted, the hulking son of Fastnet Rock proved he is a serious contender for the world’s richest juvenile event clocking an overall time of 51.80s and working up the running very strongly, his final furlong in 11.0 seconds.

“It was strong work and all bodes well for Saturday, where the blinkers will come off and be replaced by a set of side winkers.” O’Shea explained.

O'Shea stating that Wanted will have a gear change for Saturday where he will have the blinkers taken off and will have the addition of winkers.

“This is in the best interest of the horse and he simply is a lot better suited to the next two legs of the triple crown.” O’Shea stated.

Tickets’s owner Mr Peter Moran expressed how tough the decision was to withdraw his glamour colt but believed this was best in terms of giving Tickets the best chance to become Champion two year old.

"It was a very tough but in the end it was a unanimous decision to not run him in the Slipper," Moran said.

"It was tempting, but we are thinking of the horse and believe he is still not quite mature enough to run in a high-pressure race like the Golden Slipper.

"He is a stallion of the future and I want to look after the horse. We will go to the Sires and then on to the Champagne Stakes and hopefully if he can win two Group Ones then he will be close to being named champion two-year-old."

Tickets has emmerged a horse of immense talent and under the tuteledge of O’Shea and premier rider Hugh Bowman, he is fast becoming the hottest stallion commodity in the industry.

SYDNEY, Saturday 28 March 2009 – Glamour John O’Shea trained Colt Tickets has thrown himself right into Golden Slipper calculations at the last minute winning today's Group 2 Pago Pago Stakes at Rosehill over 1200m.

The ROYAL GARDEN HANDICAP over 1200 m was taken out by very promising filly Silently who displayed her class over her Rating 75 counterparts putting the result beyond doubt inside the last furlong.

Silently was ridden by ace race day rider Hugh Bowman and had very good form, and unlucky at that, leading into today’s event.

Silently was shaky away from the barriers until Bowman balanced her up and settled in the run on the stable mate Villa Moura’s hind four and a half lengths off lead, three widths off the rail.  

Jockey Bowman had the Anabaa filly travelling as sweet as you would like in a nice trail in behind the speed rounding for home, until pressure was applied from back markers and looked to cramp the filly for room.

In true elegant Bowman fashion he found the needing space for his mount and she peeled out beautifully four deep with cover and let her stride up to the leaders and then sealing victory in style on the line.

“Its a very good effort from this filly, she was sent here to do a job today and she did it,” the form hoop quipped.

“She’s a filly we think a lot of, so she has run up to expectation, a good effort carrying weight and a couple of bumps in the run she’s delivered when she had to and she can go onto some nice races now.”

O’Shea had given his filly three weeks between runs and she was well placed being dropped back in class and obviously fitter again today to get the much deserved win.

Earlier it was another O’Shea saddled up runner that took out Race 1 a filly that is Oaks bound, Jessicabeel.

The Zabeel filly showed all traits that would be needed in a testing Oaks event when she jumped, she was put to the lead from a wide barrier draw  and never looked back through out the run.