Sydney trainer John O’Shea is looking forward to racing at Hawkesbury on Saturday where he will line-up a trio of Kiwi-bred runners.
Cotehele (NZ) (Tavistock) has finished fourth in his two starts this preparation, including the Listed South Pacific Classic (1400m) last start and O’Shea is hoping to see an improved result in the Gr.3 Hawkesbury Guineas (1400m) this weekend.
“We were very happy with his run in the South Sydney Classic. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him do a little bit better on Saturday,” O’Shea told Racing HQ.
O’Shea will also line-up Fashchanel (NZ) (I Am Invincible) in the Gr.3 Hawkesbury Crown (1300m).
The five-year-old mare is fresh-up following a successful summer campaign where she won her last two starts, and O’Shea has been pleased with her two lead-in trials.
“The track should get to a Slow7, so that should be fine for her,” he said.
“Her trials have been great and she is coming off a really good prep last time so we are looking forward to the run.”
O’Shea’s Hawkesbury Kiwi contingent will be rounded out by eight-win gelding Kirwan’s Lane (NZ) (Charm Spirit) who will contest the Gr.3 Hawkesbury Gold Cup (1600m).
“Kirwan will need it a little drier,” O’Shea said.
“If he can have a good run on Saturday and hopefully get to Scone and get drier ground, there is no reason why he wouldn’t be effective there.”
O’Shea purchased Kirwan’s Lane out of Little Avondale Stud’s 2018 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft for $170,000.
