Ontrack Thoroughbreds boss Grant Morgan has plans beyond Saturday’s Rosehill Gold Cup for Bois D’Argent but he is still hoping for a quick return on his investment at Rosehill.
Bois D’Argent, a bold miler, and Divine Magic have arrived under the Marco Botti banner at the Canterbury Quarantine Centre and will move into the Annabel Neasham camp after next week.
Morgan has been a successful bloodstock agent, buying Coolmore Stud Stakes winner Brazen Beau as a yearling, but he has moved into the international market in recent times.
“What we do before we buy these horses is pick out the races for them and the Rosehill Gold Cup looked right for this bloke,” Morgan said. “It gives our clients something to get excited about and they don’t have to wait long and the prizemoney now is incredible.
“This grey fellow is a bit older, so his form is exposed, and we know what we were getting, so we are hoping he can measure up.
“We have had a bit of success doing it with Hopeful won last year’s Lord Mayors Cup from the first lot we bought.
“This time it made sense when he and Divine Magic were in Marco’s stable to keep them in his yard and their routine when they travelled.
“We have a couple of people in him from Wollongong, so The Gong is an option but there is the $2 million Ingham as well, so once he goes to Annabel we have a plan. But by all reports he will run very well on Saturday.”
Botti’s travelling foreman Eric Chatburg has been pleased with Bois D’Argent, which was a Longchamp Listed winner this time last year. He has respect in the Gold Cup betting as the second pick at $6.50 behind $3.80 favourite Quality Time.
“He is genuine and he goes on any ground,” Chatburg said. “He has just got a nice stride but he is a stayer. He won’t the speed of the others early here, but he will be coming late. From his work he gives you the idea he will be there for Jamie [Spencer] when he needs him.”
Divine Magic will run for Botti in next Saturday’s Hot Danish Stakes with plans to stretch her out in trip for the Festival Stakes and possibly the Ingham as well when she joins Neasham.