Like a number of his rivals looking for a start in the Melbourne Cup, Clayton Douglas is having a throw at the stumps with Harmysian in the Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes at Flemington.
Success in Saturday’s race provides a ballot exemption into the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington in November.
Harmysian is one of two runners that OTI Racing has in the Andrew Ramsden race with Sound Of Cannons earning his start with victory at Sandown on Wednesday.
Douglas said Harmysian was ticking over nicely and looking for the 2800m journey of Saturday’s race.
At his last start, Harmysian finished fourth to Witchachar Star over 2400m at Sandown on April 30 with that horse subsequently going on win the Listed Warrnambool Cup.
The Andrew Ramsden will be Harmysian’s eighth start in Australia after a career in France that saw him register three wins and six placings including a victory over 3000m at Chantilly.
“He’s ticking over well this preparation and has shaped up nicely for the 2800 metres,” Douglas said.
“On handicaps, he’s badly weighted, he’s got the same weight as Warning, but I’m happy with how he’s coming along, and I think getting out to that trip he’s going to be well suited.”
While rain is forecast later in the week, Flemington was rated a Good 4 at acceptance time on Wednesday which was good news for Douglas.
And Douglas believes the going won’t get to the same heavy range that it did when Harmysian lined up at Sandown last time out.
“I think the track will suit us and all his best form has been on top of the ground,” Douglas said.
“It was probably too soft for us last time.
“It’s a bit of a dream to get to the Melbourne Cup. We’ll have a throw at the stumps and hopefully we hit them.”