Garud & Octavia

It would be rather fitting if Garud (pictured) could win on Andrew Ramsden Stakes day with that race run in honour of one of Ballymore’s greatest supporters.

Garud was part-owned by Andrew Ramsden who passed away last spring and his horses are now managed by his son Michael.

Garud lines up in the first heat of the Banjo Paterson Series and looks likely to appreciate a step up to 2000m at his third run this preparation.

“He has trained on well,” Michael Moroney said of the consistent six-year-old who ran an encouraging third at Flemington two weeks ago.

A Queensland campaign beckons for the imported son of High Chaparral with the Ipswich Cup a likely target – although he will also be nominated for the Brisbane Cup.

We also take gutsy mare Octavia to headquarters, the four-year-old to take on the males in the Listed Straight Six.

A gallant second to Miss Steele in the Gr.3 Proud Miss Stakes in Adelaide a fortnight ago, Octavia has raced only twice at Flemington – on both occasions not far away at Group level.

Whilst the race is a strong one, Octavia is exceptionally tough and the weight drop of 3kg is going to assist her task.