Andrew Bobbin is still getting to know Ocean Beyond but he has a plan as to where he wants to go with the sprinter.
Part of the plan is to run in the Listed Hilton Nicholas Straight Six (1200m) at Flemington for which the sprinter is a $26 chance with TAB.
Longer term the Golden Topaz (1200m), on the opening day of the Swan Hill Three-Day Carnival on June 10, is where Bobbin’s attention is focussed with Ocean Beyond.
A former member of the Daniel Bowman team at Warrnambool, Ocean Beyond joined Bobbin this campaign and pleased the trainer with his only appearance.
Under Bowman’s care, Ocean Beyond scored an imposing debut win at Geelong before winning the Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m) at The Valley at his next start.
Ocean Beyond then lost his way until successful over 1200m on Ballarat Cup Day last November.
After three more unplaced runs for Bowman, Ocean Beyond was transferred to Bobbin’s care finishing second to Ranting, an opponent on Saturday, over 1100m at Caulfield on May 7.
“He strikes a harder race up the straight at Flemington on Saturday, but I think with this run under the belt it should top him off nicely for his next start,” Bobbin said.
“I’ve got him lined up for the Golden Topaz at Swan Hill and that’s where he will be peaking.
“If he can put in a good performance at Flemington with a view to being at his peak in a couple of weeks’ time, I’ll be happy.”
Bobbin also heads to Flemington on Saturday with Anphina who runs in the Donate @ http://NJT.org.au Handicap (1400m).
A $3000 weanling purchase, Anphina finished fourth on debut at Warrnambool during the Three-Day Carnival earlier this month.
“We’ll get a bit of a gauge on where she’s at after Saturday,” Bobbin said.
“She’s a horse that can be ridden quietly, build into it and hopefully is finishing off strongly.”
