Subtle changes unleash the best in Tapp-Craig winner Ohope

Race-day gear changes appeared to work wonders with talented three-year-old Ohope when he stormed down the centre of the Rosehill Gardens track to win the Listed Tapp-Craig over 1,400m on Saturday, 11 October.

Although a Hawkesbury maiden winner in August, Ohope was beaten twice in midweek company at Warwick Farm last month.

Trainer Michael Freedman decided to remove the crossover nose band and apply visors for the first time.

The beautifully-bred Ohope, by champion sire I Am Invincible out of Stakes-winning broodmare Pohutukawa, appreciated the changes as he powered home for jockey Tommy Berry from seventh on the final turn to beat Farnicle by 1.75 lengths with Estremo a long neck way in third spot.

Freedman said he never lost confidence in Ohope, who kick-started his association with Godolphin.

“He's a lovely colt, you know,” Freedman said. 
“I’ve obviously been very privileged to get one, well a few from Godolphin.

“This bloke was my first winner for them when he broke his maiden at Hawkesbury and I just love him.”
Ohope showed a devastating turn of foot and stopped the clock on 1 minute 22.28 seconds.

Freedman said he would “let the dust settle” before deciding O’Hope’s next mission.
“I think he's a really progressive young horse, you know, whether we press on further this prep or not, we'll wait and see,” he said.

“But he loved that solid tempo today and I think he might have a mile (1,600m) in him.

“So, whether that's pressing on to Melbourne for a race down there or giving him a break and looking at the Randwick Guineas, or something like that.
“He’s a horse with a good future.”

Ohope took his record to two wins and three placings from seven starts for a prize-money and bonuses purse of $343,985. 

“I didn't quite expect him to go that quick, but sometimes when you get a couple with gear changes in the race, they might try and put themselves a bit more in the race,” Berry said.

“He's been better with a little bit more to chase in his races; we found that out the other day at Warwick Farm.

“But look, his work on Tuesday morning was only plain, and I said to Michael, ‘I hope he's going better than what he showed me this morning’.

“So maybe today's the day we try the visors with him because he's so relaxed, and take the cross-over off. 
“He's a lovely colt, very well bred, and I remember his mother – she was quite fierce in the mounting yard as well, so he’s taking after her.”