Derby Delay Could Turn Into Awesome Pay Day

June 3, 2011

Derby Delay Could Turn Into Awesome Pay Day

Cranbourne-based trainer Michael Kent was originally dismayed over not being able to find a suitable flight to Brisbane for his galloper Oforawesome to arrive in the sunshine state this weekend to prepare for next week’s Queensland Derby, but he now believes it could have been a blessing in disguise.

Progressive Colombia gelding Oforawesome is being aimed at the $500,000 Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm on June 11.

As Kent was unable to get a direct flight from Melbourne to Brisbane this week, Oforawesome will not get a chance to race in Brisbane before the elite level assignment.

“We figured the next best thing would be to go halfway and stop in Sydney and then get a flight from there,” Kent explained.

The delayed Derby plans have seen the three-year-old accepted instead for the $70,000 Woodford Reserve Handicap (1800m) at Rosehill this Saturday, a race Oforawesome is rated the $5 second favourite in behind Gai Waterhouse’s Kontiki Park ($3.70).

Drawn in barrier nine and due to be ridden by Tommy Berry, Oforawesome seeks their second win on the trot this Saturday having claimed an impressive two length victory over 1800m and Sandown on May 25.

“The horse is in good shape and we thought we may as well run him in Sydney as a lead-up to the Derby,” Kent said.

Oforawesome is current rated a $26 chance of upsetting Queensland Derby favourite Shootoff ($5.50) Saturday week, and their curious race name was explained by Kent.

“It’s a funny story,” Kent said.

“He was named after a fellow who appeared in the game show Wheel Of Fortune on New Zealand television.

“Evidently he had a spin of the wheel and when asked for a letter he said ‘O…for awesome’.

“Apparently that guy is now a legend over there and it’s become a catchcry.”

Kent is confident the distance and conditions at Rosehill tomorrow will suit Oforawesome to a tee and the horse can record another win before tackling the Derby.

“He’s a nice horse and his last start win was over the same journey as tomorrow,” he said.

“He also likes soft ground so he is obviously a strong chance and should perform well.

“We’ll then head straight up for the Derby.”

Racing fields and data are copyright 2011-2021 © Racing Australia Pty Ltd (RA) (and other parties working with it).
Racing materials, including fields, form and results, is subject to copyright which is owned by RA and other parties working with it. Full copyright notice.

Spring Racing

Military Mission Fires in 2023...

Zipping Classic 2023 Field �...

Zipping Classic 2023 Field & Odds Update: Vow And Declare Defends Title

Danny O’Brien’s 2019 Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare continues to show a...

Overpass Heads 2023 Winterbott...

Overpass Heads 2023 Winterbottom Stakes Field & Betting Markets

Bjron Baker’s The Everest performer Overpass is tipped to return to winning...

Osipenko Leads The Gong 2023 R...

Osipenko Leads The Gong 2023 Race Field & Betting

The Chris Waller-trained Pierro four-year-old Osipenko is firm favourite in...

2023 Railway Stakes Field ...

2023 Railway Stakes Field & Betting Update: Tuvalu Narrow Favourite

The Lindsey Smith-trained top-weight Tuvalu is narrow favourite in the latest...

Horse Racing Today

2024 The Galaxy Results: Zapat...

Golden Slipper Results 2024: L...

Golden Slipper Results 2024: Lady Of Camelot Beats Coleman, Storm Boy Third

Co-trainer Gai Waterhouse extended her record to eight victories in the 2024...

2024 George Ryder Stakes Winne...

2024 George Ryder Stakes Winner Veight Beats Older Rivals

Veight joined an elite list of three-year-olds to beat home the older horses...

Rosehill Guineas 2024 Results:...

Rosehill Guineas 2024 Results: Riff Rocket Flies Home Late Ahead of ATC Derby

Chris Waller’s VRC Derby winner from the spring, Riff Rocket, now has the...

2024 Ranvet Stakes Results: Vi...

2024 Ranvet Stakes Results: Via Sistina Too Good Debuting for Waller

Yu Long Investments lucrative European purchase, the now Chris Waller-trained...

Race Results

2024 The Galaxy Results: Zapateo Upsets Sunshine In Paris

Golden Slipper Results 2024: Lady Of Camelot Beats Coleman, Storm Boy Third

Imperatriz Defends Title in 2024 William Reid Stakes

2024 George Ryder Stakes Winner Veight Beats Older Rivals

Rosehill Guineas 2024 Results: Riff Rocket Flies Home Late Ahead of ATC Derby

Race Previews

UK Raider Post Impressionist Heads Tancred Stakes Field & Odds

2024 Australian Cup Field & Betting Update: Pride Of Jenni v Mr Brightside

Golden Slipper 2024 Tips & Betting Update

The Galaxy 2024 Race Field & Odds: Ozzmosis Leads Betting on Slipper Day Sprint

2024 Rosehill Guineas Field & Betting Update: Riff Rocket Set to Take Off

Fields & Form

UK Raider Post Impressionist Heads Tancred Stakes Field & Odds

2024 Australian Cup Field & Betting Update: Pride Of Jenni v Mr Brightside

Golden Slipper 2024 Tips & Betting Update

The Galaxy 2024 Race Field & Odds: Ozzmosis Leads Betting on Slipper Day Sprint

2024 Rosehill Guineas Field & Betting Update: Riff Rocket Set to Take Off