Jockey Glen Boss is confident Mr O’Ceirin’s so-far short preparation will be the key to success in this weekend’s featured Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m) in Brisbane, against a field that has been largely well-trialled over the summer and autumn.
Jockey Glen Boss is confident in the chances of Mr O'Ceirin in this weekend's Group 1 Doomben Cup. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia
Contesting just two races this time in; including an impressive run for second behind fellow Doomben Cup acceptor Streama in the Group 2 Hollindale Stakes (1800m) last time out, Boss TVN he believes several key race features are likely to play straight into the strengths of the Postponed gelding this weekend.
“I know Streama beat him last time, but that was about her sixth run this prep. There are horses in the race that have already pealed once and now they have to do it again” Boss said.
“He is the one from the last race where they all met that will take the most benefit.
“He gets to his correct distance; 2000 metres, and there looks like there will be cut in the ground again, which he likes, and he’s drawn a perfect alley for him.”
Allocated the outside barrier 10 for the Group 1 Doomben Cup, Boss said he is excited by the prospect of finding key racing position from the outset aboard Mr O’Ceirin this weekend.
“He is the sort of horse that you like to draw out on. He is not the fastest horse away, but he goes forward so it gives you the chance to roll forward and take it up or sit outside the leader” Boss added.
“From all reports from Ciaron (Maher, trainer) he’s done well and he should be ready to peak.”
Claiming an impressive total of ten wins and five places from 30 competitive appearances so far, Mr O’Ceirin secured a strong and consistent 2013 preparation; winning both the Listed Grafton Cup (2350m) and Group 3 Naturalism Stakes (2000m) most notably, and contesting several events at the highest level of Australian racing.
Overcoming a disappointing run for eleventh in the Group 3 Victoria Handicap (1400m) with a positive turn of foot in the Hollindale, Mr O’Ceirin is currently sole occupant of the fifth line of betting for success in the 2014 Doomben Cup; offered at a generous quote of $8.
Returning to the winner’s circle in the Hollindale, Streama is outright favourite to claim a fourth Group 1 title in the Doomben Cup at $4.20 odds, ahead of in-form Team Hawkes runner Leebaz ($4.60), Warrnambool Cup champion and clear market mover Akzar ($5) and Junoob ($6).
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