Godolphin colts primed for Derby Day success

A pair of colt’s who have hardly put a foot wrong are primed to open the Godolphin account on Derby Day at Flemington on Saturday.

Morton's Fork and Bezel, both trained by John O’Shea, come into the G3 Carbine Club Stakes as two of the classiest runners in a strong field.

And both have indicated they will be right at home when they step up to Group company for the first time on Saturday.

Morton’s Fork, to be ridden by Craig Williams, had won his previous two starts before finishing fifth behind stablemate Peacock last time out, but the defeat hasn’t deterred his trainer.

“This is the race we set him for from the time he came back into work and everything has gone well,” O’Shea said.

“He looks to have trained on really well since his unlucky run in at Caulfield. From gate four he should get the gun run.”

Stable jockey James McDonald has chosen to ride Bezel who has three wins and a second from his only four starts, the latest a strong and determined effort under 61kg over 1600m at Randwick.

And he comes to Flemington off the same lead-up as the multiple G1 winner and Darley stallion Kermadec.

“We’ve followed the same programme as Kermadec who won the mile race in Sydney and came down here to win the Carbine Club,” O’Shea said.

“He’s three-from-three this preparation and he drops significantly in weight, so there’s a lot to support his claims.”

Godolphin also goes into the G3 Lexus Stakes double-handed with Tally (John O’Shea/James McDonald) and Oceanographer (Charlie Appleby/Kerrin McEvoy).

O’Shea has removed the blinkers from Tally’s raceday tack in a race that represents a drop in class from his previous run in the G1 Caulfield Cup.

“He’s fit and well and we just have to try and get him back in the game after his unfortunate run in the Caulfield Cup,” he said.

Oceanographer has only to maintain the form he showed at his first Australian start when third to stablemate Qewy in the Geelong Cup to have strong prospects at Flemington.

The gelding has trained on well and looked in good order in his work this week.

O’Shea says there are signs that a turnaround is imminent in the form of his veteran sprinter Generalife, who will be handled by James McDonald in the G2 Salinger Stakes.

“His coat has finally come through and he’s ready to run the best race of his current preparation,” the trainer said.

“I think it’s a nice race for him. He’s got a good gate that gives him plenty of galloping room.”

The Godolphin team is completed by Alucinari (John O’Shea/James McDonald) who runs in the G3 Sensis Stakes.

“She’s in fine form but I think she’s drawn poorly. Three is a bad gate for her, so we’re going to have to ride her for a bit of luck,” O’Shea said.