Danny O’Brien has different Group One aspirations for his pair of three-year-olds It’sourtime and Young Werther, who will both contest the Autumn Stakes at Caulfield where he expects them to run well.
The goal for the undefeated It’sourtime is the Australian Guineas and for Young Wether it’s the Australian Derby.
Even though they are at different stages of their preparations, O’Brien believes they are both capable of being in the finish of the 1400 metre event on Saturday.
It’sourtime has had two starts for two wins this campaign, kicking off at Sale over 1100 metres and backing it up with a victory over 1200 metres at Sandown.
“He’s been very impressive at both of his starts. He steps up into stakes grade but he deserves a shot at it on what he has done so far,” O’Brien said.
O’Brien said It’sourtime needed to run well to show he was on track for the Group One Australian Guineas at Flemington on February 27.
He is also keen to see Young Werther return, saying he has developed since the spring when he only had three starts.
“He might need a couple of runs but he should run a forward race,” O’Brien said.
“I’ve set him for the longer three-year-old staying races in Sydney in the autumn with the ATC Derby his main target.”
O’Brien was buoyed by the recent trial at Geelong of Miami Bound, who will contest the Carlyon Cup first up and he is hoping the track is rain-affected to boost her chances.
He says she is being set for the Sydney Cup, while stable star Russian Camelot will trial at Cranbourne on Monday.