Onesmoothoperator to kick off in Blamey

The former UK-trained galloper will have his first start for Australian trainer Tim Fitzsimmons when he runs in the Group 2 race over 1600m on Saturday. 

Onesmoothoperator has run in the past two Melbourne Cups under the care of Brian Ellison but was left in Australia to be prepared by Fitzsimmons after finishing 16th in last year's Cup behind Half Yours. 

After winning two trials at Echuca on February 3 and again 13 days later, Onesmoothoperator is ready for his return. 

It will be something new for Onesmoothoperator as the gelding has not raced short of 2000m in his 47-start career that has netted six wins including the Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m) in 2024 and last year's Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m). 

"It's going to be interesting," Fitzsimmons said. 

"The mile will probably be too short for him, but you never know. Hopefully there is a little bit of speed on, but it's a starting point for him. 

"We'll see how he goes on Saturday. The owners would love to run him in the Australian Cup, but whether he is sharp enough, we'll have to wait and see. 

"This weekend will give us a good guide as to where we go." 

The Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) on March 28 will lead to a potential start in the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick on April 11, weather dependent, in which he has 55kg. 

"He's nominated for the Sydney Cup, but the problem would be the rain as he doesn't go a yard on a wet track," Fitzsimmons said. 

"I think last year was a Good 4, but it's often very wet, so the immediate aims will be the Blamey and the Australian Cup." 

Fitzsimmons said Onesmoothoperator was unlikely to have a long autumn campaign with the owners keen to have a shot at the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) in October. 

Should Onesmoothoperator bypass the Sydney Cup, the Listed Mornington Cup (2400m) on April 18 and its 'win and you're in' status for the Caulfield Cup may be considered. 

Fitzsimmons said Onesmoothoperator was 'casual' in his work and trials and only does as much as he needs. 

"He's an interesting horse but they've found the key to him, riding him cold and let him finish off," Fitzsimmons said. 

"Talking to Brian, they tried everything. Riding him closer just doesn't work, so one thing for sure is whatever race he's in, he's going to be ridden quietly to finish off." 

A meeting almost 20 years ago led to Fitzsimmons getting Onesmoothoperator to his Bendigo stable. 

Fitzsimmons travelled to Perth with Bay Story which Ellison had brought out to Australia for the 2006 Melbourne Spring Carnival. 

"It was the Christmas before I went to Singapore, 2006-2007," Fitzsimmons said. 

"I went with Brian and we took Bay Story over for the Perth Cup and I spent probably two or three months with them, and we became such good friends.  

"Brian recommended me. The owners came up on Bendigo Cup Day, had a look at the facilities and when they decided he would stay, he came to me which I'm grateful for."