One of the most highly-anticipated appearances of the Melbourne spring racing carnival is scheduled to take place when Exosphere steps out in the G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington on Saturday, October 31.
One of the most highly-anticipated appearances of the Melbourne spring racing carnival is scheduled to take place when Exosphere steps out in the G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington on Saturday, October 31.
Exosphere (John O'Shea/James McDonald) and his highly-talented stablemate Mogador (John O'Shea/Craig Williams) take on a high-class field of three-year-olds in a race that has been won by some of Australia's best young sprinters.
The son of Lonhro set the scene for Saturday's race with his emphatic last start win at Randwick on October 3 where he gave a 10 length start to the leaders at the 600m and still powered to a three-length victory in near-record time.
That win was his fifth from seven starts and left him unbeaten in the three runs of his current campaign.
But despite the reputation Exosphere brings with him for his first start outside Sydney, and his first down the Flemington straight course, the Coolmore presents a special challenge for trainer John O'Shea and his star colt.
"He's in perfect condition, he's fit, well and happy," O'Shea said.
"He's trained on well since his last run and he's settled into his new environment and he's had a look at the straight course in a trial last week and he handled it well."
If there is a concern, however, it came at the barrier draw that placed Exosphere in gate two.
"I'd have preferred him to draw a little wider. The barrier presents us with a few issues," O'Shea said.
"Being over near the fence can take away some options. He's shown he can overcome them, but we'd prefer it to be different."
While Exosphere is drawn awkwardly, Mogador is ideally placed in gate seven in the 12-horse field.
"It's a beautiful gate for him, he should get a great run from there," O'Shea said.
On paper, Exosphere has ability and form that is superior to the field of classy opponents lined up against him.
Apart from his spectacular, recent win at G2 level, he has also claimed the G1 Golden Rose in which he beat the subsequent G1 Caulfield Guineas winner Press Statement, having beaten the same horse at their previous meeting.
While Exosphere clearly has top billing, the race presents Mogador, another son of Lonhro, with the opportunity to show his considerable talents.
A winner in restricted company at Warwick Farm two starts back, Mogador stepped up to Listed company in the Blue Sapphire at Caulfield two weeks ago and finished a good second despite failing to handle the track.
"He's a very promising horse and he'll run well. Whatever way it goes, it will be a great race and our horses are ready to produce big runs," O'Shea said.
