Doncaster preview gives Lane a leg up on Obamburumai

Golden Eagle winner Obamburumai had a familiarisation trip to Randwick on Wednesday as trainer Keiji Yoshimura counts down the days to the Doncaster.

The Japanese raider went into the race-day stalls and was given time to adjust, before heading for the Theatre of the Horse and onto the course proper for a light workout, which was about taking in his surroundings more than fitness before Saturday’s race.

The work has been done in Japan and at Canterbury with the $9 third favourite for the Doncaster. Wednesday morning was about making sure there were no surprises waiting for Obamburumai.

“He has been to Australia before and has settled in better this time – it is not new to him [Canterbury],” Yoshimura said. “He is stronger and more grown up now, but we wanted him to come to Randwick before race day.”

Every moment was timed for Obamburumai, Yoshimura looking at his watch as his horse walked laps of Randwick’s Theatre of the Horse before legging-up jockey Damian Lane. There was a calmness to the routine, and a couple more laps of the theatre before the trainer signalled for the four-year-old to go on the track.

“Once he was under saddle and he came out on the track, he was fine, which I think is a good sign,” Yoshimura said. “As long as [the track] is not too heavy, we are not too concerned.”

Close to 100 millimetres of rain is predicted before Saturday, heading into the first day of The Championships. The weather is out of their control, so all the Japanese stable can hope for is a fair racing surface knowing from their jockey that Obamburumai is ready.

“It was great to get a feel of him,” Lane said. “I didn’t let him go full speed, but watching his races he does have a great turn of foot. The trainer is happy with him, his fitness is right up there.