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We are excited to share that ONESMOOTHOPERATOR (USA) has safely journeyed to Australia for an Autumn campaign hopefully closing with a run in the prestigious Flemington Melbourne Cup!
Arriving by plane in the early hours of 29th September, Smoothie travelled excellently maintaining his weight across the 36 hour total of travel. His handler, Matt Brown, who has also flown out to Australia, spent the duration of the Newmarket quarantine with the horse, riding him out every morning and taking care of him at Werribee International Horse Centre. He will continue to do so through the trip in Melbourne. Trainer Brian Ellison has also gone down-under and on touchdown in Australia said "Smoothie is in great shape, he travelled strongly and we are hoping he can secure a spot in the Melbourne Cup now." Currently at 40th on the waiting list to participate in"the race that stops a nation," Smoothie, if accepted through the cut, will run off bottom weight of 7st 12lb. This would mark our first appearance in the historic Melbourne Cup and hopefully not our last!
If Smoothie is balloted out of the Melbourne Cup, there are numerous alternative options available to him. The valuable Geelong Cup on 23rd October could well serve as an ideal preparation race for him and the prestigious Queen Elizabeth stakes on November 9th is the back-up target if he didn't get into the Melbourne Cup.
Onesmoothoperator Werribee gallop 21/02/2024
Our family are flying out to Melbourne in October in preparation for Smoothie's campaign and we cannot wait to see him run in Australia. Owner Patrick said "To potentially have a runner in Australia's most valuable race is extraordinary for us, and even if we don't get in the Melbourne Cup, the trip and experience as a whole will be a one to remember!" Whatever happens on this trip as a whole we will all cherish the experience greatly.
All fingers are crossed for Smoothie's successful and safe journey in Melbourne! 🦘