Exciting Warrnambool sprinter Oliveanotherday has Group 1 targets firmly in his sights after his impressive win last Saturday in the $200,000 Group 3 Heath 1100 at Caulfield.
The lightly raced four-year-old has had a huge boom on him since an unlucky second placing on debut in maiden company at Warracknabeal a year earlier.
Oliveanotherday notched four consecutive victories in his last campaign, culminating in a visually stunning win in the listed Wangoom Handicap at his home track.
Trainer Tom Dabernig gave him a winter break, after which two impressive jumpout wins saw him start a $2.30 favourite in his first attempt at group level.
Dabernig admitted he had some worrying moments last Saturday before Oliveanotherday got clear running.
“We knew barrier one might be a hindrance,” he said. “The race worked out pretty much how we thought it would, and he got blocked in. 
“I was very happy to see the run come when it did. He hit the line strongly and will derive plenty of benefit out of that first-up run. 
“The ultimate goal is to try and get him to a Group 1 in the best possible shape. We might look at the Bobbie Lewis on Saturday week, September 12) to give him a look at the Flemington straight, which might open up an option for Melbourne Cup week. 
“We’ve also got the (Group 1) Manikato on the agenda at Caulfield but fingers crossed someone might give us a slot in the Everest.” 
Oliveanotherday’s record is now eight starts for six wins. 
Rule thrills Bell
In an earlier triumph for Warrnambool stables at the Caulfield meeting, a brilliant front-running ride from apprentice Dakotah Keane saw Home Rule score his 10th win for Maddie Raymond and Patrick Bell.
Home Rule ($10) hung on to beat Porter by a short head in the $150,000 benchmark 84 Hygain Handicap (1400m). It was the nine-year-old’s third run following a spell of almost 10 months.
“It’s such a thrill with this horse,” Bell said. “He’s a stalwart of the stable. He’s been there since day one when Maddie started on her own and the owners have been super supportive. 
“I always had in my mind and in my heart that Home Rule would love the conditions at Caulfield and he’s shown in his last two preparations that he’d relish the 1400 metres. 
“He’s a high-cruising-speed horse and if he could them chasing off the bit on those two bends he’d be hard to beat.
“Dakotah did a great job,” he added. “She did her homework. She knew the horse inside out and talked to previous riders, so good on her. She’s steered him an absolute treat.”
Warrnambool-born Keane said Raymond and Bell had done a great job preparing Home Rule for the race.
“They mentioned they had this race picked out,” she said. “They had him rock-hard fit and he’s such a tough horse. I think he’s just hitting his prime now. 
“Porter actually headed me. I love the way he kicked back — he wanted to win and he did.”
Home Rule took his stake earnings to $610,310 from 42 starts with Saturday’s victory.
Don’t ditch Darkbonee
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for fans of Warrnambool stables at Caulfield, with Darkbonee failing to fire as a $2.45 favourite in the $150,000 Brad Masters Plumbing Handicap (2000m). 
The Symon Wilde-trained galloper finished eight lengths behind winner Saint George but punters might be better off forgetting the run entirely.
The stewards’ report reveals Darkbonee raced fiercely through the early and middle stages, then was in restricted room when under pressure passing the 300 metres. 
Jockey Jamie Melham said Darkbonee raced aggressively throughout. Wilde told the stewards he thought racing between horses might not have helped the gelding’s chances. A post-race vet exam found nothing significant.
 Darkbonee has won four from 11 starts.
Wilde did have some luck over the weekend. Tikemyson won the Sheep Hills Cup at Warracknabeal for him on Saturday, while Fiorowngood won a maiden at Casterton on Sunday.