SYDNEY, Thursday 2 September, 2010 - The Tramway Handicap is expected to be short of Jessicabeel's best but trainer John O'Shea believes she has returned in great order for her Melbourne Cup preparation.

The five-year-old Zabeel mare resumes in Saturday's Group Three event over 1400m at Randwick in her first start since becoming a Group One winner of the Sydney Cup (3200m) in April.

Jessicabeel will be joined in the Tramway by stablemate Snapy Halo, who hasn't raced since his sixth in the Doncaster Mile.

O'Shea said all the indications were that Jessicabeel had returned an improved mare this time in work.

"We haven't seen the barriers or the way the track is playing and all that sort of thing yet, but on a fair track I expect her to be hitting the line strongly on Saturday," O'Shea said.

"I just expect her to run well because I couldn't be happier with her."

Jessicabeel really came of age as a stayer in the autumn.

After finishing ninth first-up in a 1400m race at Rosehill she then ran third in both the Listed Aspiration Quality (1600m) and Epona Stakes (1900m) before winning the Group Two Chairman's Handicap (2600m) and Group One Sydney Cup (3200m).

"The form around her is good and she's made good improvement as you would expect from a five-year-old Zabeel mare," O'Shea said.

"She's continued an upward spiral and she's a bigger and stronger mare."

Jessicabeel was given 52.5kg for the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups when weights were released on Wednesday while stablemate Zabrasive was given 53kg.

"That's exactly what we expected," O'Shea said.

"Jessicabeel carried 52 kilos in the Sydney Cup when she was probably entitled to carry 48 with what she'd done. She was dominant in good time and 52.5 is a weight where we're still going to be competitive."

Snapy Halo's sixth in the Group One Doncaster Mile showed the six-year-old entire had the capability to be competitive in good races again this spring with O'Shea looking at some of the feature 1600m races as possible targets.

"He has run sixth in a very, very strong Doncaster, beaten just over two and a half lengths and that itself is going to have him in the mix (in some good races)," O'Shea said.

The trainer said Snapy Halo was still "pretty burly" and would improve with racing under his belt heading towards races like the Epsom Handicap in Sydney or Toorak Handicap in Melbourne.

Once let gallop out in the lead Kerilla got into a nice rhythm and appreciated the tactic when approaching the turn she had her opposition all in trouble.

Working up the run home she stuck to the rail and fought doggedly to the line to hold on and gain a most satisfied victory.

“This is a nice result for Simon & Terry from OTI and the mare has come along way since joining us and she is now a Metropolitan winner,” O’Shea mentioned.

O’Shea also had two close second placing with Smokin’ Gun earlier in the day and Not A Snip A Doubt just nosed out in the final race on the card.

“I think the mile will suit and the fact that she will roll forward with 2kg off her back will really stand in good stead for when the whips are cracking, it’s the happiest I have been with her.”

The ever consistent Not A Snip A Doubt will give a great sight in the Benchmark 70 Handicap over 1100 m and champion hoop Corey Brown has been engaged to ride.

“Well, Not A Snip A Doubt is probably our strongest chance tomorrow he is going particularly well and on paper it appears to be a race with ample speed which will suit him,”

“He will be attacking the line late, he does go up in weight but a senior rider and how happy we are with of his overall well being we expect him to be extremely competitive.”

Kiwi import by sire of the moment High Chaparral, Smokin’ Gun has his second start under O’Shea’s charge and O’Shea said he is likely to run a cheeky race over 1600 m.

“I thought Smokin’ Gun gets in well at the weights and its race to see where we are at with him but he has come on tremendously since his first up effort and although it is a trip which will be short of his best he goes into the race in great order,”

“He is probably just one run off when we see him coming into his own.” O’Shea added.

The impressive last start winner who has put two on the bounce together now is Private Label who looks to be an improving type.

“Corey has done a bit of work with this horse and he is going really well, he will need to use his gate speed from the 2 alley just so he doesn’t get shuffled back on the fence but we will leave that in Corey’s capable hands.”

“The horse is working very strongly and ticks a lot of boxes to run well tomorrow, fit, healthy and he has a good blood profile.” O’Shea commented.

O’Shea will have a big team of runners over Wyong’s big two days on Thursday and Friday and also at headquarters on Saturday with the return of Sydney Cup winner Jessicabeel highlighting his big team at Randwick.

Trainer John O’Shea was happy enough with the Group 1 winning Zabeel geldings effort.

“He had to kick off some where and that was his first go at weight for age against the best gallopers in the land,”

“It was a nice pipe opener for him and he was simply out sprinted, going forward we are very happy with where he is at, he has pulled up in good order and will continue onto the Underwood now and take significant improvement from yesterday.” O’Shea explained.

Rider Craig Newitt said it was a very good starting point for Zabrasive.

“He gave me a super feel and had no issue in getting around Caulfield, once I gave him a bum to follow he travelled beautifully,” Newitt said.

“It was his first go at weight for age and as we start getting over a trip he will be there when it counts, John has him in great order going forward.”
Zabrasive will now go back to Caulfield and run second up in the Group 1 WFA Underwood Stakes over 1800 m, Saturday 18^th September.

The start of this road will be this Saturday at Caulfield in the Memsie Stakes (1400 m) with Group 1 Rosehill Guineas winner Zabrasive commencing his Spring campaign.

“Zabrasive has settled into our Flemington base really well and gained some weight and is nice and fresh,”

“He goes into Saturday off only the one trial and has fair bit more to come, and it’s obviously a distance far short of what he is most effective at, in what looks a super field of gallopers.”  O’Shea commented.

“She is well and is very big in condition but the racing will bring her on and as she gets over more ground her ability to attack the line in the manner in which she does will come to the fore in the latter part of her preparation.” O’Shea offered.

At Rosehill Gardens O’Shea will saddle two competitive chances in Music Review and the ever improving Legsman.

“Music Review is right in Saturday’s race her best performances have arguably been second up at a mile and on Saturday she is second up off a break over 1800 m, so that in itself reads well.”

“She’s trained on in great order.”

“Legsman had a case to win the race the other day, however he gets his chance tomorrow as it does look a nice race for him and he is getting to 2000 m which he will appreciate.”

St Augustine has failed to deliver in his first two outings this preparation from his early promise and what his form showed.

“It does a look a lovely race for him and Canterbury is track we have always thought would suit his style,”
”The rail is out 6 m and Blake can simply roll forward and lead or sit outside the lead, we expect to see the best of St Augustine today.” O’Shea added.

The John O’Shea prepared speedster led throughout the run in the high class field of 3YO fillies only to be knocked off at the post by the fast finishing Darley filly Parables.

Top hoop Nash Rawiller was aboard Solar Charged and he set a cracking pace with Solar Charged carving out extremely fast sectionals.

It was a meritorious performance by the Charge Forward filly and O’Shea will lay off her and give her a space before she goes around race day again.

“I was very happy with Solar Charged today and had they been at level weights we perhaps would of got the right result,”

“Nash really had her humming and she appreciates being let gallop which is when we see her most effective.” O’Shea said.

“I will let her get over the run before deciding when she goes back to the races, we won’t be in a hurry.”

O’Shea also had the classy Ambers Waltz resuming in the Silver Shadow and she was doing her best work late through the line.

“Ambers Waltz was very good and she will derive significant benefit from the run, it will really bring her on.”
”I’m happy with where she is at and she can now head off to the Furious Stakes Saturday week at Randwick.”

The promising Savabeel gelding grinded to the line and appreciated the 1600 m second up this preparation.

Ridden by Hugh Bowman, Dashing Saveel was given a lovely run in transit behind the speed before drawing on terms with Ayrton and working the better to the line inside the final furlong to the post.

Randwick trainer John O’Shea was delighted with the effort and explained the best is ahead of him.

“That was a nice win and its good as the first too horses cleared out by a considerable margin from the rest of the field,”

“He will derive a heap of confidence from today’s win as he is going to be most effective when he gets up over a trip 2000 m plus, he is a stayer with promise.” O’Shea said.

O’Shea said that Dashing Saveel will continue on a natural progression into a 2000 m race at his next start.

“We won’t get ahead of ourselves but run him over 2000 m next start and get some miles into his legs before asking something more of him.” O’Shea added.  

SYDNEY, Wednesday 18 August, 2010 - Bookmakers were cheering at Randwick this afternoon when the John O’Shea-trained Private Label inflicted defeat on the heavily backed Giresun in the Moore Park Handicap over 1550 m on the Kensington track.

The Peter Snowden-trained Giresun opened at $2.25 before the punters stepped in and sent the three-year-old colt out a $1.80 elect.

ABOVE: Private Label (Tommy Berry) was too good in the run to the line this afternoon.

All looked to be in order for Giresun in the run, travelling on the back of the leader Dal Dal while Private Label was following Giresun, one out and away from the rails.

On straightening, Dal Dal kicked strongly allowing Giresun to get to her outside, but in the meantime Private Label was out in the centre of the track winding up strongly and he surged to the front and was holding Giresun in the run to the line.

“It was a good win,” O’Shea’s stable foreman Bryce Heys said.

“He’s a very genuine racehorse that never shirks his task and everything we’ve put in front of him to date he’s stepped up and taken in his stride.”

Heys said there are no “bigger goals” set in stone for Private Label but the win against what was regarded as “better than midweek level” opposition is likely to force the stable into a rethink.

“It looked a decent race on paper but we’ll go home and assess the form of the race and if he can do it again in say Saturday company then a race like the Gloaming might suit,” he said.

“Private Label has come forward in tremendous order for tomorrow’s race, albeit a race that appears to have some depth in it, I can’t fault my horse.” O’Shea said.

“He looks to have taken improvement from his good performance the other day which he will need to tomorrow.”

O’Shea will saddle a strong team of interesting runners at the mid week Kenso meet.

He has a interesting runner who is first up in the form of former Kiwi galloper Smokin’ Gun who contested the major 3YO events over in the ‘shaky isles.’

“Smokin Gun a nice young potential stayer who is resuming, I’m really happy with his progress post trial and they will be too sharp for him first up and he will be more adept once we get towards a mile and a half,”

“I’m grateful to the owners trusting the horse in my care and we will give him an opportunity to see if he can graduate as a handy stayer over here.” O’Shea made comment.

The Randwick horseman has two other runners with bonny mare Peace Academy and improving Tuscan Breeze.

“Peace Academy has done really well since she has had a bit of sun her back and the drying track will aid her chances her work is spot on.”

“Tuscan Breeze is in as good a order as he has been this preparation and as his form suggests he takes a couple runs to run himself into some form,”

“That’s exactly where he is, he is fit, healthy, strong and going well, I am particularly happy with him heading into tomorrow’s run.” O’Shea pointed out.

His most recent effort at Wyong when going down narrowly and hitting the line in second place withw Corey Brown in the saddle.
This afternoon, with Corey contemplating frogs legs and snails over in France, gun young apprentice Timothy bell will claim 2kg aboard Stand And Salute.

Last start, Brown felt the heavy surface was not to his liking, so the slightly drier conditions at Gosford today should be an advantage for the 4yo.
O'Shea mentioned

"Stand And Slaute has done a tremendous job this preparation, and he has come a long way from where we were 6 months ago,”

“He has overcome a few hurdles earlier in his career and hopefully a bit of patience and tender loving care will culminate in a victory for him before he heads to the paddock".

"His work last week was a step up again from what he has previously done, so if that is any indication, he should be fighting out the finish at Gosford" O'Shea commented.

O’Shea says the Not A Single Doubt gelding has continued to please him and that he gets in well for his assignment.

“I’m really happy with him and his trained on in tip top order, with a good barrier and is in well at the weights,” O’Shea said.

“Kerilla struggled a little on the rain effected ground last start, but she has made some nice improvement and is doing everything right at home,”

“Despite the horror gate, she just needs a run with some cover and she is the style of mare that is looking for the wide open spaces that Randwick offers to have her run well.” O’Shea added.

Military Gal will contest the PANASONIC SPECIALISTS AIR NETWORK Handicap over 1150 m on the Kensington Track at Royal Randwick.

The John O’Shea trained mare will be looking for a forward performance tomorrow as O’Shea drops her back from Saturday grade.

“Military Gal is going to get a lot of things that suit her tomorrow, her wins have been on the heavy and the Kensington is just that, I can guarantee you!” O’Shea said

“She looks well and will make her own luck, just whether the heavy weight will bring her undone on the heavy, but I’m happy with her and expect her to be competitive.”

O’Shea also has a debut runner in recent Barrier Trial winner, Pacquiao, who’s run was against the bias on the Kensington track when winning his Heat in style.

“Pacquiao is a nice colt that we have been very patient with and what ever he does tomorrow he has significant improvement to come,”

“On the strength on Acceptances it could be a race with a bit of depth, as there are a couple of good trial performances from others in the race.” O’Shea added.

“We should get a good run in transit for him to be able to attack the line, Blake will make sure of that,”

“It’s nice to be taking him to the races as I mentioned the penny has not dropped with him yet.”

Tomorrow is a leadin meeting for the first feature day of the new season with San Domenico & Missile Stakes’ Day at Royal Randwick.

Solar Charged will be the headline act for O’Shea in the San Domenico coming off a 7 ½ length Barrier Trial win.

“She is going well and I’m really happy with her heading into Saturday, she’s ready now to run a race at a distance which we see as her being very effective.”

“Corey has a good understanding of how I want her ridden and that will be important on Saturday, it will be good to have her back at the races.”

The O’Shea yard will also have Viva Las backing up looking to make amends in the Mares Benchmark 75 1800 m event along with Kiss ‘N Chase in the Benchmark 80 Handicap for Mares over 1100 m and dependent upon the track Miss Savabeel could run against 3YO fillies over 1200 m.  

O’Shea kicked off the day when taking out the GLEN ALPINE 2YO Maiden Handicap over 1400 m with the young and honest Private Label.

“He’s a very genuine conveyance and gives you what he’s got, albeit at Cessnock the other day he did defy the racing pattern of the day and had trained on superbly,” O’Shea said.

Private Label was desperately unlucky at Cessnock last start and went down by a the narrowest of margins but let down this afternoon with a mighty turn off foot to win comfortably on the line for Apprentice Tommy Berry.

Not A Snip A Doubt backing up from last Saturday and dropping in grade and distance added to O’Shea’s day when he appreciated being ridden quieter.

With genuine tempo he was allowed to finish off the race strong in the CURRANS HILL 3YO+ Benchmark 70 Handicap over 1000 m.

Tommy Berry rode both O’Shea’s runners and displayed what good form he is in as Sydney’s champion apprentice with both mounts ridden to perfection.

Stand And Salute has had three runs this time in at provincial meetings on Saturday and takes the leap in distance and grade when contesting tomorrow’s event.

O’Shea echoed some confidence when asked the Anabaa geldings chances,

“The owners have had to be very patient with Stand And Salute and he has made nice improvement each time he has been asked,” O’Shea said.

“Because of the time he has been given we have had to race him into condition and since his last run he has appreciated his work being lengthened.”

O’Shea was not overly concerned at the task ahead for the Champion Thoroughbreds managed horse.

“He finally has a good level of fitness about him, he will appreciate the cut out of the ground the way he is bred on his dam’s side suggests he will cope with the trip, we are looking forward to taking him to the races as it looks a lovely race for him.” O’Shea added.

Stand And Salute will be O’Shea’s sole runner at Wyong and will be ridden by top Sydney hoop Corey Brown.

O’Shea quite clearly stated his dismay for the current Handicapping system in NSW this afternoon.

“It is now official I can assure you that I have lost faith in the NSW Benchmarking system,” O’Shea said.

“I have nice little horse called St Augustine in my stable who unfortunately will find it impossible to go through his grades due to the way he has been handicapped  under the benchmarking system,”

As highlighted by O’Shea, St Augustine has only won the one race in his career, which was a moderate No Metropolitan Win Race at a mid week meeting of his home course of Randwick.

“Albeit he won by 4.5 lengths it was against moderate opposition to say the least, from that run he was, rightly or wrongly, allocated a rating figure of 73,”

“Subsequent to that run he ran fourth beaten 1.5 lengths, then seventh of twelve beaten 4.1 lengths, that was a stakes race, then fifth of seven beaten 6.6 lengths and in none of these performances did the handicapper see fit to drop his rating.”

The horse was then sent for a break by O’Shea and resumed this preparation back on the 14^th July at a mid week meeting at Warwick Farm where he contested the Benchmark 75 race against older horses.

“He was then beaten first up this preparation, by 6.6 lengths and finished fifth, and guess what?? He did not drop in rating after that run either.”

In summarizing St Augustine’s career to date O’Shea explained how he has won one race and subsequently in his last four performances where the accumulative losing margin in those races has almost been fourteen lengths and the horse has not dropped one rating point.

O’Shea made a relative comparison to a horse called Key West, who he purely used as a comparison, has had six starts, won three races in the metropolitan area and is only one single rating point (74) above St Augustine.

“Frustrating, definitely!” O’Shea fired, when quizzed on programming his team of horses.

“St Augustine has sufficient ability where he is capable of winning his fair share of races in town,” O’Shea described.

“More importantly if St Augustine’s rating is deemed to be correct by the powers that be, and great scrutiny I am told it is, then you can leave me out!”

O’Shea has had a number of cases that having created what has been a non stop headache when trying to map out a horses preparation.

Part of the ownership makeup is Sky Racing 2KY Breakfast Radio Host Terry “TK” Kennedy who has in the past entered in creating a hype around the General Nediym filly.

Ever the consistent horse early in her career Military Gal has struggled with her form over the last six months.

“We are just going to bring her back a cog and drop her back in grade to try and instill some confidence in Military Gal just to get that zest for racing back,” O’Shea said.

“She had a little set back last week which was the preferred option, so we are forced into Wednesday’s race but she has pleased us at home all the same, obviously including TK.” O'Shea joked.

Military Gal will be ridden by Apprentice jockey Nathan Berry and will run with gear adjustments.

“We will run her in a set of winkers and a tongue tie just to try something different with her which will hopefully put her into the race.”  

“She needs to run well for the basis of her immediate future, it does look a nice race for her and she does go into the race in good order, so it’s up to her now.” O’Shea quipped.

“She did it very easy, she was only sent out for a soft trial, but she has been going very well and we weren’t surprised by her effort today,” O’Shea said.

“That was as slow as Corey (Brown) could hold her.”

LEFT: The John O'Shea trained Solar Charged annilated her opposition on debut.

“She’s a very talented filly and is heading in the right direction.”

Solar Charged’s next public outing is scheduled to be in the Group III San Domenico Stakes on August 7, which is shaping as an outstanding early season event.

O’Shea had one other runner who was a Commands filly that trialled smartly in the following Heat from Solar Charged called She’s Number One.

The Champion Thoroughbreds managed horse was eye catching in her first public outing and has one of Australian cricket’s greatest test opening batsman and now media personality Michael Slater in the ownership.

Also ridden by top hoop Corey Brown, She’s Number One ran second in her Heat to a more experienced smart juvenile in Obsequious.

“She’s a beautifully filly, a real pro and the manner in which she trialled considering it’s her first time is pretty encouraging, she gave me a good feel.” Brown explained.

Viva Las was sent to the paddock after her fall at Warwick Farm, which left top jockey Corey Brown with a busted collarbone and ended his autumn carnival.

Randwick conditioner John O'Shea said his three-year-old had been left with no mental scars and would only improve with further racing.

"We thought we'd bring her back at this time of the year because she's always proven she's capable of getting through this type of ground," O'Shea said.

"She likes winning. I think she'll get the mile and beyond.

"We were about to get her to the mile last time before she had a fall. She was lame after that and had a few issues, but she's a nice horse.

Viva Las finished second in her return to racing last month and yesterday she was the $3.80 favourite with jockey Nathan Berry aboard.

The daughter of Elvstroem stalked eventual runner-up Shaketheground into the straight before the pair shifted to the outside fence to fight out the finish and clear out from the rest of the field.

O’Shea explained that he will continue on through the winter with Viva Las and expects more improvement.

On debut, Miss Savabeel from the extreme outside gate showed good speed away but top hoop Corey Brown settled her toward the rear of the field one off the rail ten lengths from the lead.

Approaching the half mile and a good race tempo set Miss Savabeel improved to track up around the entire field.

Jockey Brown brought the Savabeel filly as the widest runner and worked into the race beautifully still chasing the leaders five lengths.

Miss Savabeel never shirked the task and once balanced up with Brown’s balance and poise she set out after what looked like the obvious winners up front and she fought doggedly for a dominant win.

“She is very green and still has a long way to go,” Brown said.

“Full credit to her she has plenty of upside and good ability to do what she did today, she wants to be a racehorse.”

Miss Savabeel is a graduate from the 2009 Karaka Yearling Sale and was singled out and secured by O’Shea.

Jockey Tim Clark was intent on taking up the running and eventually got to the lead working Warpath early.

Once traveling down the back of the Canterbury course, tempo eased and Warpath got a slight breather before being pressured from the 700 m and then staved off all challengers to fight out a tough and gritty win.

“She did it at both ends today and it was a big performance, she is a nice staying conveyance that we have a bit of time for,” O’Shea commented.

“This is just the start for her, she has taken a while to mature but she has been given the time and has really pleased us at home this preparation.”

O’Shea added that the plan was to then progress onto Saturday grade before giving the filly a break.

“We will get her home and see how she does over the coming days, it was a big run today, our original plan was to run well here and then progress back to her on age over 2000 m on a Saturday,”

“But we will make a decision on that once we see how she has come through today.”

SYDNEY, Saturday 26 June, 2010 - John O'Shea's toiling galloper Kick 'n Chase saluted this afternoon in the Benchmark 80 event over the famous Randwick mile.

“Obviously last start was a little bit of mystery but we are well over that and she is in tip top order,” O’Shea said.

“Music Review trialled well and her work can not be faulted leading into tomorrow’s race, she has a good record at the 1600 m and she gets in on the minimum weight, so she ticks a few boxes in that respect.”

Top hoop Corey Brown continues his association with the mare and expressed his thoughts on how well she is going.

“I’m happy to rule a line through last start and forgive her, I have done a bit of work on her since and everything is in place for her to be right there when it counts tomorrow.”

“Highlighted by her work at Randwick on the Kensington Track on Tuesday morning was just a lovely piece of work and I look forward to getting on her back again race day.” Brown added.

Petraeus, a Champion Thoroughbreds Managed horse, lay down an authoritative display when dispatching his 3YO rivals back on the 16^th June.

Trainer John O’Shea is delighted in the way the General Nediym gelding has come on.

“It was a good win last start and we are still ironing the greenness out of him but he has improved off his last start,”

“He has drawn where we can ride him so that he will be right there when the whips are cracking, which is important around a track such as Gosford.”

Jockey Blake Shinn added of the horses improvement and he could not fault him heading into today’s event.

“John has Petreaus ticking over nicely, and I’ve been on his back in his work and it has been super,” Shinn said.

“He has definitely gone forward since his last day out at the races and I look forward to him showing us that improvement race day.”

Rosehill Guineas winner Zabrasive will campaign in Melbourne beginning with the Memsie Stakes (1400m) at the end of August.

Sydney Cup winner Jessicabeel will kick off her campaign in Sydney before heading to Melbourne in the later part of the spring.

Flying machine and Kindergarten Stakes winner Solar Charged, has also returned to O'Shea's Randwick stables with the Group Three San Domenico Stakes (1000m) at Randwick her first-up mission, August 7^th.

"She's grown a lot and done all the right things," O'Shea said.

“She is a real powerful looking individual now and is in fine order we are looking forward to the start of August.”

Ambers Waltz, who finished second to subsequent Golden Slipper winner Crystal Lily in the Sweet Embrace Stakes before going for a spell, came back into work on Tuesday with the Group One Thousand Guineas over the mile at Caulfield her main spring objective.

The Group 1 placed sprinting son Hussonet was supposedly retired and a deal struck for his services at stud.

However the purchasing contract was not honoured by the purchaser and after thoroughly discussing Fist Of Fury’s immediate future with connections, O'Shea acted and it was decided that the horse be gelded and put back into work.

“Fist Of Fury’s agreement that was agreed upon for his stud future fell through and it is too late now to place him anywhere with the breeding season just around the corner.” O’Shea stated.

“It has been decided that the horse will be raced and we will try to extract the huge galloping talent he has, from him as a gelding.”

O’Shea will condition Fist Of Fury along slowly and anticipates his race return some time in September.

“We are all very excited at the prospect of having him back at the races, he is in magnificent condition and we are very happy with him.”

“I look forward to Fist Of Fury furfilling his full racing potential over the coming racing seasons.” O’Shea added.

Prepared by Randwick conditioner John O’Shea, the bonny grey filly displayed further improvement from her few race starts she has had to date.

By the undefeated Reset, Warpath was briskly away from the jump and lobbed into a lovely position when landing worse than midfield one off the rail seven lengths off the speed.

Inside the 600 m jockey Tim Clark angled out and improved around the turn to be full of running when heading for the post and when balanced, Warpath worked up on terms with leading top weight Namsarai and comfortably had his measure on the line by a length.

O’Shea commented on Warpath as filly with good staying potential and is yet too really mature.

“She has always had some quality about her this filly and that was a strong performance today,”

“She had too make a good sustained run before the point of the turn and when asked she accounted for the other horse.”

“I think she has considerable improvement to come as she is very lightly raced because she is still furnishing into herself and I think next preparation she will be a handy staying type mare.”

SYDNEY, Friday 4 June, 2010 - Today's Hawkesbury meeting has fallen victim to Sydney’s ‘big wet’ and has been abandoned.

“We received 31mm of rain overnight on top of over 100mm in the last eight days,” track manager Jeff Haynes said.

O’Shea said he saw both horses last week and Zabrasive returns to the stable on Monday to start the preparation while Jessicabeel will follow the Rosehill Guineas winner back into the Randwick stables two weeks later.

“Zabrasive has made the most significant improvement, obviously because of his youth but I’m very happy with both horses.”

In a blow to the Sydney spring carnival, O’Shea has elected to send Zabrasive straight to Melbourne where he will campaign exclusively in preparation for the historic 150th Melbourne Cup.

“He will have his first run in the Memsie over 1400 metres at Caulfield on August 28,” he said.

From there, Zabrasive will progress to the Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield on September 18 before running in the Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on October 2.

Zabrasive will then contest the Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 16 and the Melbourne Cup on November 2.

Sydney Cup winner Jessicabeel will stay in Sydney for the early part of her campaign, which starts in the Tramway Handicap (1400m) at Randwick on September 4.

“She’ll have her final Sydney start in the Craven Plate [2000m] on Epsom day [October 2],” O’Shea said.

“She’ll then run in the Caulfield Cup and the Mackinnon Stakes before the Melbourne Cup.”

Ridden by Blake Shinn Petraeus got into a lovely spot on settling, midfield one off the rail four lengths off the lead.

Peeling four deep with cover rounding for home once asked by Shinn Petraeus put paid to rivals and although still very new he was a length clear on the line.

“He had only had the one trial this preparation and got caught in a bad spot at Wyong the other day,”

“Corey rode him the other day and said put the blinkers on and he’ll win, which was the intention coming into today’s event.” O’Shea said.

Blake Shinn the General Nediym gelding was simply too good for them today.

“He’s nice young horse and has plenty of improvement in him,”

“He was still green with the blinkers on and that will do him the world of good and get some confidence.” Shinn said.  

SYDNEY, Tuesday 1 June, 2010 – Sydney’s Premium Syndicator’s Champion Thoroughbreds will be represented by two leading hopes on the midweek card at Canterbury Park tomorrow.

Coming off an honest effort when running third at Scone (1400 m) on Scone Cup Day Black Fix will make the step to mid week class when he contests the 3YO Benchmark 70 Handicap over 1580 m.

“Black Fix has had a very good preparation to date and we are delighted in the way in which he has trained on,”

“Probably at Scone he was just looking for that bit further in trip and gets that tomorrow.” Astute Randwick horseman O’Shea said.

“He has shown us here at home that the wet track conditions should not pose a problem and being by Lonhro who’s stock seem to cope with cut in the ground.”

“It looks a nice race for him tomorrow albeit there is a little bit of depth there, he has drawn soft and with the services of Corey Brown he will make his own luck in the running.”

“We expect whatever he does tomorrow will stand him in good stead as we expect him to really come on next preparation.” O’Shea added.

Petraeus was a some what laboured run first up at Wyong and the short priced favourite looked to get lost mid race was good late at the line.

“Petraeus has only had the one trial this preparation and trialled in very good order but was still vunerable the other day at Wyong, and getting bogged down at the point of turn where it chopped out did him no favours,”

O’Shea continued that there was much improvement to come from the talented General Nediym gelding and did expect a bold showing tomorrow.

“The six furlongs will suit him tomorrow and just too sharpen him up he is first go in the blinkers,”

“The blinkers look too have him focused at the job at hand which will have him attacking the line late.”

The John O’Shea galloper has always shown a level of ability right back to when debuting as a pre Christmas two year old.

In the hands of ace hoop Corey Brown riding broke cleaning and got a lovely trail one off the fence behind the lead.

At the point of turn The Invincible Spirit gelding ambled up to the lead and travelled up to the 200 m before Brown pushed the button and he put pay to the leaders to draw away and be clear on line.

“He’s a lovely actioned horse and still wanted to do a few things wrong but it’s nice to see he’s coming together and put in a good effort today,”

“We’ll just continue on with him and take him slowly through his grades, with the winter coming on he may just like that bit of cut in the ground.” O’Shea said.

Riding To Win races in the famous blue and pale blue chevrons made famous by famed galloper Racing To Win for Trevor Stuckey and Penny Yan who continue to enjoy much success with O’Shea.

Informality contests the BRC Sprint (1350 m) and O’Shea hints that the Elusive Quality gelding will go north and has what will be necessary to the desired result.

“This is the race that we have always had in mind for Informality should we take him to Brisbane,”

“It was a good performance at Rosehill last start and I am delighted in the manner in which he has trained on.”

“On the strength of the Nominations he will have to be at the top of his game and all things being equal it looks a lovely race for him albeit a step up in grade.”

Informality will be supported by three runners on the Sydney card at Rosehill Gardens for O’Shea.

“I’m really looking forward to getting Music Review back to the races, she was courageous as she always is and it’s about time she got the bounce of the ball go her way, so to speak.”

“The McKell Cup is a tailor made race for her and she is in career best form with the services of Corey brown on Saturday.”

“Kick ‘N Chase I was happy enough with him first up of a long break and he still has further improvement to come and its just about getting some racing continuity into his program,”

“And Ready Miss she is in good order for Saturday in a race that looks as though it may have some strength to it, she only needs to replicate her first up run and she will be more than competitive as it has proved a strong form race.”

“He’s a really nice improving horse and he is thriving on being in the stable at the moment,”

“The race at Scone looks a lovely race for him and we are delighted to have Corey Brown back in the saddle.” Trainer John O’Shea said.

Black Fix has been a model of consistency when racing in provincial grade and broke maiden status at Kembla Grange 24^th April.

“Black Fix has a very good form profile albeit he has been racing in provincial grade and been unlucky on a couple occasions,”

“His work here on Tuesday morning on the course proper was evidence that he has trained on in tremendous order.” O’Shea added.

Friday at Scone will also see the return of super hoop Corey Brown who is returning after breaking his left shoulder in a race fall at Warwick Farm four days before last month's Golden Slipper.

A tough workout session at trackwork at Randwick on Saturday and Tuesday mornings has Brown knowing his shoulder is ready for his low-key comeback.

The champion rider sent several through their paces for O’Shea and reported his shoulder has come through trackwork with flying colours.

“It felt good,” Brown said.

“Everything's in great order and its finally good too get the clearance and be back out here.”.

Brown said he intends to remain in Sydney over the coming weeks instead of focusing on the Brisbane winter carnival.

“I just want to chip along in Sydney and get my eye back in," he said.

“If I go to Brisbane it would only be late in the carnival.”

Informality lobbed into a lovely spot on settling one off the rail two pairs back and mid race when the tempo was set at break neck speed, Informality tracked up and Bell presented him up the running unleashing a powerful turn of foot to hold on at the line.

“He fell asleep in the run but I probably let go a little too soon,” Tim Bell said.

“He is a tough bloke and he kept kicking and found on the line.”

Trainer, John O Shea  suggested that Informality will head to Brisbane for the BTC Sprint.

“He’s good and honest and he’s compiling a good win record.”

“From that today he deserves at a crack at some black type.”

The option of going north for the Brisbane Winter riches will be exercised with a campaign geared towards the Group 1 Doomben Cup over 2020 m.

“Being a stallion he has taken a while to get a good level of fitness about him but now he has that, the obvious improvement in his racing has come.”

“The Hollindale on Saturday is a lovely race as we have had the impression for some time that he get beyond a mile,”

“We have engaged Michael Rodd to ride who has a good affinity with the Gold Coast track which is important when running there.”

“Most importantly he Snapy Halo has trained on in fantastic order and we expect him to make a race of it up their on Saturday.” O’Shea added.

Form Randwick conditioner John O'Shea is planning to target Hawkesbury this coming Saturday after enjoying a lucrative Autumn in Sydney.

O'Shea won two Group One races, the Rosehill Guineas with young rising talent Zabrasive before ending the carnival on a high when Jessicabeel claimed a dominant victory in the Group One Sydney Cup at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

The staying pair have earned themselves Melbourne Cup campaigns in the spring but O'Shea's immediate focus is on two of his up-and-coming three-year-olds.

"I've got a couple of nice horses going to Hawkesbury," O'Shea stated.

"Honest Lies who has won four from eight and I've also got a nice filly running in the Darley Crown mares race, Ready Miss.”

"They are both progressive three-year-olds and only lightly-raced and both of them have good records, Ready Miss has won two from four."

O'Shea has engaged Hugh Bowman for Honest Lies who will be nominated for the $100,000 Hawkesbury Guineas (1400m).

The O'Reilly colt strung together three wins in succession last campaign, culminating in a Saturday class victory at Rosehill Gardens in November.

He finished third as an odds-on favourite when he resuming at Gosford earlier this month but was back in the winners stall with an all-the-way win at Kembla Grange over 1400m last start against older horses carrying topweight 58.5 kg.

Ready Miss to be ridden by Glyn Schofield, is set to take her place in the Listed Darley Crown (1300m) following an emphatic 3-3/4 length triumph at Canterbury two weeks ago.

SYDNEY, Saturday 24 April, 2010 - Randwick conditioner John O’Shea ended the AJC autumn carnival on a huge high when Jessicabeel scored dominantly in the Group I Schweppes Sydney Cup (3200m) at Royal Randwick this afternoon.

RIGHT:Jessicabeel powers to victory

“We have to get them there first but they are both going to be set for the race,” O’Shea said.

“To have two runners in the race would be unbelievable, there is a long way to go yet, lets enjoy this achievement first!” O’Shea enthused.

The win was especially satisfying for O’Shea as his longest supporter and close friend Jason Abrahams is the managing part owner.

RIGHT:Owner Jason Abrahams &

RIGHT:Abrahams family owners of

RIGHT:Jockey Craig Newitt & Trainer John O'Shea

“I got onto the back of Capecover and when he busted out into the open he gave me the run at the right time.”

Newitt has no doubts what so ever that Jessicabeel will be a genuine Melbourne Cup contender when its time to line up in the race that stops a nation.

“She’s only had just over a dozen starts, she’s got a great temperament, a great attitude,” he said.

O’Shea has a leading hope in the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200 m) in the form of Jessicabeel.

Jessicabeel looks to have had the tailored preparation leading up to the blue riband staying event tomorrow having been unlucky in her first two starts putting in two almighty efforts when missing the jump and then last start going on to score a dominant win in the Group 2 Chairman’s Handicap (2600 m).

“You could make a case that Jessicabeel should be unbeaten this preparation and she is a young mare in career best form,”

“Twice up over the rise wont pose any problems for her and she will run out a strong two mile.” O’Shea enthused.

“She’s got a nice profile coming into the race in the form of the Sydney Cup and it has been on the radar as far as a grand final for this preparation is concerned.”

“The main thing is I couldn’t be happier with the manner in which she has trained on and the order she is in and ready to tackle the 3200 m.”

Jessicabeel heads a big team for O’Shea tomorrow at headquarters and when quizzed on his best for the day O’Shea fired with,

“Jessicabeel winning the Sydney Cup tomorrow would be a nice end to what’s been a rewarding carnival so far for us.”

SYDNEY, Monday April 19, 2010 - A perfect Autumn Sunday morning set the scene to view some of the most exciting horse flesh going around Sydney at the moment.

LEFT: Champion Thoroughbreds Director                                                                                        Jason Abrahams & Trainer John O'Shea.

John O'Shea was in vintage form as he discussed all the Champion Thoroughbreds managed 3yos in a most relaxing atmosphere.

They all paraded extremely well, particularly the Champion runners from the previous day, namely Honest Lies (1st) and Black Fix (3rd).

Also in the 3yo division parading for the attendees was Petraeus, Military Gal, Stand and Salute, Under Direction, and Perfect Hussey along with other O’Shea stable stars.

Then it was the turn of the unraced 2yo division, namely North Pole Dancer (Anabaa/Al Bayan), Lightinthenite (Galileo/Tiffin) and the unnamed Commands colt out of Montecatini.

RIGHT: John O'Shea's senior staff Mel Williams.

All three looked tremendous and have been working impressively in the track work this preparation. The three yearlings came out to parade and they did not disappoint the waiting interested parties.

So much so that Champion have managed to all but finish off the syndicate for the More Than Ready/Artistique colt, with only 15% left available in him.

LEFT: Foreman Amanda Good prepares                                                                                        Snapy Halo to parade.

The Holy Roman Emperor/Forever Midnight and the Rock of Gibraltar/Regal Prospect fillies, who have just completed their breaking in process, paraded like stable regulars.

“These two have come on well, filled out, muscled up, and will now enjoy a few days in the stable before a well earned break in the paddock.” O’Shea commented.

They both have around 50% available and if any interested parties should be directly in contact with Champion Thoroughbreds.

If you would like to secure a share, please contact Megan or Jason on 02 9436 0795 today.

With some small specking in the market Ready Miss was cleanly away from the barriers and was into stride very efficiently.

Rider Glyn Schofield elected to take up the running an be positive from the jump, gaining the lead and having the More Than Ready filly roll along comfortably out in front.

On the turn and leading them up the running there was not another runner in sight that looked like getting close to Ready Miss as Schofield gave her a squeeze and she exploded away and was eased down on the line five and half lengths clear.

“John said to me to look to be positive from the start today as we may get it our own way in front,”

“That was the case and she relaxed beautifully and sprinted very, very quickly when I asked her.” Schofield said.

''At this stage Jason Maskiell will ride him, the horse has pulled up in fantastic order and we were happy with the way in which he performed on Saturday.'' O'Shea said .

The former South American star hit the line in fine order to finish third in the Listed Doncaster Prelude over the famed Royal Randwick Mile on Saturday, prompting the leading trainer to back up the son of Southern Halo up this coming Saturday.

Glen Boss rode Snapy Halo in the lead-up event but has stuck with another mount in the $1.5 million feature.

SYDNEY, Saturday 10 April, 2010 - There was some consolation for Randwick conditioner John O'Shea after Zabrasive's AJC Derby defeat when his staying mare Jessicabeel confirmed her status as a leading Sydney Cup hope this afternoon emerging victorious in the Group 2 Chairman's Handicap (2600 m).

ABOVE: John O'Shea trained Jessicabeel dominates Group 2 Chairmans Handicap (2600 m).

The O’Shea stable prepared the beaten Derby favourite Zabrasive but the Randwick yard showed it would be a force in the Group I Sydney Cup with the lightly-raced daughter of Zabeel.

"We didn't get the same run in the Derby but credit where credit's due, the winner is exceptional."

“She just watched the gates open before she jumped away,” Williams said.

“But it made no difference, she got into a good rhythm and travelled nicely.”

Williams peeled Jessicabeel out into the best part of the track at the 400 metres with the four-year-old relishing the clear galloping room and her light 52kg, to be very strong through the line.

“It was a ride that helped her win,” O’Shea said.

“She got into the right part of the track and got the galloping room,"

"It’s a big difference for Zabeels when they get that clear galloping room,"

“They just don’t like being cluttered up and she’s a beautiful mare on the way up.” O’Shea added.

SYDNEY, Friday 9 April, 2010 - There will be a Champion Thoroughbreds Open Day at John O'Shea's Randwick stables Sunday 18th April at 9.30am.

On display will be all the Champion horses currently in work as well as the 3 yearlings that still have shares available in them.

Zabrasive’s trainer John O’Shea described the work as “perfect” ahead of the horse’s $1.3 million mission on Saturday.

“He’s at the top of his game, as evidence by his work this morning,” O’Shea said.

“There won’t be any excuses, he is a horse that is fit and well and I'm confident about his prospects of running the mile and a half.”

“It’s all very well winning over 2000 metres at Rosehill but when you come up over the rise at Randwick over a mile and a half, its no place for the faint hearted,” O’Shea warned.

“The one thing I know about Zabrasive is he’ll run the mile and a half.”

Zabrasive worked with stablemate Jessicabeel and after the mare held a substantial advantage at the 1200 m the three-year-old overhauled his workmate and worked strongly through the line.

They were set out over 1800 m in 2.03.9 seconds with the final 600 m run in 36.2 seconds,

“I feel that he’s come on since leading into his Rosehill Guineas win,”

Zabrasive’s regular jockey and trackwork pilot Hugh Bowman said.

“The horse has always given us plenty of confidence, he always indicated to us that he would develop into a top class horse and he’s continuing to improve.

“It was a pretty firm gallop this morning and he’s pulled up well from it.”

SYDNEY, Monday 5 April, 2010 - Bright staying prospect Legsman strung back to back wins this afternoon putting in a carrer best effort when proving too good in the Benchmark 80 KANTARRA 3YO+ BM 80 Handicap over 1900m at Canterbury Park.

“Vin was an integral part of the process in the selection of the ill fated Storm Thoroughbreds,” O’Shea said.

“In the excitement post race on Saturday it was remiss of me not too make mention of Vin, as he is a wonderful Bloodstock Agent and we have a terrific working relationship.”

“He has helped us in the selection of good gallopers in the form of Kiss ‘N Chase, Honest Lies and Zabrasive.” O’Shea added.

Zabrasive will now head to the AJC Derby as firm favourite for the mile and a half 3YO feature over the famed Royal Randwick course.

Saturday, 27 March, 2010 – John O’Shea’s progressive three-year-old star Zabrasive exhausted amazing fighting qualities for a young thoroughbred when he fought back to be victorious this afternoon in Group 1 Darley Rosehill Guineas (2000m).

The gelding, a son of marvel stud master Sir Patrick Hogan’s super sire Zabeel was having his first test at the longer journey with O'Shea confident that the horse’s talent and breeding would pull through.

John O'Shea with Zabrasive 

Rock Classic came with a run to the post and headed Zabrasive n the straight but he fought back to score a narrow but dogged win.

Ridden by giant killing jockey Nash Rawiller he has him settled perfectly in second place throughout as he followed the leader Gathering which gave him a beautiful cart into the race and drew clear heading for home.

But left alone there he began race greenly before Rock Classic drew alongside and to a narrow lead.

With a horse on his outside, Zabrasive was guided and kicked again and fought back to score and give jockey Rawiller his first win in the race.

“I couldn't have been happier in the run,” Rawiller said.

“I put him to sleep and tracked him (the leader) for as long as I could. He was always going to take beating from there.”

“In the straight he was lost and needed something to guide him. When the other one came at him he switched back on.”

“He is a serious horse this bloke.” Rawiller claimed

The three-year-old, who has dozens owners from across the country and is managed by Champion Thoroughbred Syndications, will now target the Group 1 AJC Derby (2400m) at Royal Randwick.

 Zabrasive was selected by O’Shea at the 2008 Karaka Premier Yearling Sales and was bred by Mr Don Mc Laren and went through the ring of well proven New Zealand nursery Haunui Farm.

O’Shea saddled up consistent filly Viva Las in the ROSEBROOK F&M BM75 Handicap over 1300m and in what was a race with good depth the Elvstroem filly proved too good.

Viva Las was given an armchair ride by gun hoop Corey Brown, from a good barrier Brown made his intentions clear and put his mount into the race settling in the box seat.

Once Brown peeled off the leader Tinjirarni’s back, 300 m out, she fought her off to clear out on the line.

Brown commented on what was a really good effort with improvement to come.

“A bit of improvement will come off that, she did a good job, we were able to get a good run in transit and once I asked her she got to the front easy enough but once there she wanted to look around and gaze a bit,”

“I think she will be effective stepping up to a mile now, she has a future.” Brown said. 

“Zabrasive is a horse we have been very kind to as a young horse with this current preparation as the first planned serious preparation he would undertake and he really pleased us with his constant progress and looks to be shaping into a galloper of some promise.”

“It was a very good win first up, the manner in which he performed all be it against inferior opposition that’s what led us to running him in the Randwick Guineas and also after assessing the performances of rivals in the Hobartville.”

O’Shea has been mindful that Zabrasive’s primary target has been the AJC Derby but still hinted Zabrasive would be a horse to beat in the Group 1 feature on Saturday.

“I don’t want to have to bust this horse as he just might be six months away, however the Derby has always been the focus around this horses career to date,”

“He has come up this time in showing us some real potential and he will lap up all the 2000 m, and some, on Saturday,

“He is in tremendous order and Hughy (Bowman) worked him on the outside of the Kensington course proper this morning and was delighted as was I, in the manner in which he worked.”

“It’s not ideal Bowman being suspended, as he does all the work on this horse and no one knows him better, but very happy all the same that we have been able to engage Nash Rawiller for this Saturday.”

Last start hard luck story Jessicabeel will contest what looks to be the ideal race for her in the Epona Stakes, O’Shea will also have Snapy Halo in the Ajax Stakes, Silently and Tuscan Breeze rounding out his runners.

Meeting his last start comandare Black Routine better on the weight scale and up to a suitable distance the Pins gelding saluted in the ROYALRANDWICK.COM BM 78 HCP (1800m).

Legsman began positively and his intention made clear by apprentice Nathan Berry and took up the running to lead the field with short priced favourite Black Routine settling in the box seat.

Berry gave Legsman a good positive run in transit to lead throughout and peeled of the point of the turn as Black Rountine applied pressure was shown the inside which took to come up on level terms and head the John O’Shea trained galloper.

Legsman gave fight and clawed back the lead before the line and finished too strong through the line.

“Mr O’Shea wanted us to take up the running and make sure it was a staying test today as we were fit and up to a more suitable distance,”

“Having that lighter weight was the difference for him today and he is tough and honest, and just a real racehorse.”

O’Shea hinted back to a similar race and grade would be the progression for Legsman.

The Randwick horseman had Strawberry Field trained to the minute when she convincingly beat a strong field of mares at Flemington in the Maybe Mahal Stakes, and that he says is the case for the Encosta De Lago mare’s debut in Group 1 company.

“Strawberry Field had such a lovely preparation in the Spring, it went as planned so that being the case we always had the Coolmore in the back of our minds,”

“We have implicated a program that is of similar comparison and she is going every bit aswell as she needs to being going to be competitive in what looks to be a good tough race with an even bunch of mares.”

O’Shea highlighted she will receive weight relief for Saturday’s event but with star mare Typhoon Tracey Nominated (but did not Accept) compressing the weight’s, the remainder of the field are all on a relatively even weight under the circumstance.

“Her run on a rock hard leader biased track from back in the field in Millie Fox three weeks ago was as good as any back marker on the day and she has taken significant improvement from that and will appreciate the three weeks between runs.”

“Look she’s a mare that is going as well as she has gone in her career to date and with a good barrier and form Hong Kong based jockey Jeff Lloyd she will be giving an extremely good account of herself.”

Golden Slipper favourite elect Solar Charged and talented filly Lagerphone will run in the McGrath Foundation  Reisling Slipper Trial (1200 m) and 3YO  Bacardi Breezer Handicap (1100 METRES) respectively, round out O’Shea’s strong team for the ‘Gardens’ on Saturday.

O’Shea consulted owners of his thoughts on where Ambers Waltz was at and has made a hard but what could prove to be a very astute decision.

“Ambers Waltz has had a couple of runs on tracks that had very firm footing and that has probably what has forced us into making the decision that she will go to the paddock,” “There is nothing of any major significance wrong with her, but we are acting in the best interest of her, as she is a filly considerable quality.” O’Shea said.

The Silver Slipper and Magic Millions runner up has been a model of consistency and has contested ordinary barrier draws which adds merit to her race record.

“Our stable is extremely proud of what this filly has done in her first racing preparation and in consultation with her owner Keith Biggs we have taken the opportunity to be patient and give her a well earned break,”

“She is a filly with a wonderful racing future ahead of her.”

Ambers Waltz will have a lengthy break and be brought back with major targets in the Spring firmly on connections mind.

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 thro