Warrnambool trainer Tom Dabernig will lift the bar for his promising galloper Oliveanotherday after the lightly-raced three-year-old won a $150,000 race at Caulfield last Saturday.
Oliveanotherday, with jockey Harry Coffey on board, defeated Empire Song by two lengths over 1200 metres.
Dabernig said he’ll now target the $250,000 Group 2 Tobin Bronze Stakes at Morphettville on ANZAC Day.
“I think he deserves a crack at a nice sprint race after that win because he was impressive,” said Dabernig.
“The Tobin Bronze looks ideal for him. We’ve always had a good opinion of the horse and he hasn’t let us down. He’s shown a liking for soft tracks and that’s a real bonus at this time of the year.”
Oliveanotherday has now won more than $165,000 in prizemoney.
Bad weather a bonus
More than 40  millimetres of rain in the past week has put wide smiles on the faces of track workers at Warrnambool.
They’re busily preparing the surface for the looming three-day May racing carnival.
Track and Facilities Manager Dermott O’Connor said the recent rain was a bonus.
“We had a real battle with the weather leading into last year’s carnival,” O’Connor recalled.
“This time it’s been great following the dry months of January and February. We had to irrigate a lot last year to make sure the track was right for the jumps races.
“The whole course will really appreciate the rain we’ve had, especially the paddocks for the jumps races.
“The weather bureau has predicted we should be getting a bit of fine weather as well now, which will be great. The rain has taken a bit of pressure of us regarding setting up irrigation but there’s still plenty for us to do in the lead-up to the carnival.”  
The three day carnival runs from Tuesday May 5 to Thursday May 7.
Wilde prospect
Symon Wilde will be well represented again at the Warrnambool carnival and among his team will be last Sunday’s Terang maiden winner Big Rooster.
The four-year-old, ridden by Jamie Mott, notched his first win at his third start in a $55,000 maiden over 1200 metres.
Wilde parted with $35,000 to purchase Big Rooster at the 2023 Adelaide yearling sale.
“It was a nice win on Sunday,” said Wilde.
 “I was a bit worried before the race about the heavy track but he went through the going really well.
“I’m sure he’ll improve with that run under his belt, too. He showed in his two runs before a break that he had a bit of ability. We just had to give him a bit of time as he’s been slow maturing.
“I’m sure we’ll find a suitable race for him at the carnival.”
Sunday’s victory saw Big Rooster take his stake earnings to more then $38,000.
Riders penalised
Dean Yendall and Amy Herrmann copped fines for whip indiscretions at Terang on Sunday. Both riders pleaded guilty.
Yendall was charged after his Terang Cup ride on Unseen Ruler. Stewards found he used the whip four times more than permitted prior to the 100-metre mark. He was  fined $300.
Herrmann was fined $500 following her winning ride on Frosty Nights. Stewards said she used the whip one more time than permitted prior to the 100-metre mark.
A daring ride by Herrmann helped Frosty Night record her third race victory.
The Jamie Barry-trained galloper hung on to beat Geffina in a tight finish.
The four-year-old mare has now won two of her four starts at her home track  for  Barry.