Tofane to Reunite with Bosson in Brisbane

The last time Tofane (Ocean Park) was ridden by top Kiwi hoop Opie Bosson they won a Group 1, and trainer Michael Moroney is hoping the pair can replicate their winning form at Doomben on Saturday. Bosson has flown to Queensland to partner Melody Belle in her final raceday appearance in the Gr1 Doomben Cup (2000m), and has picked up the ride on Tofane in the Gr3 BRC Sprint (1350m). Bosson last rode the daughter of Ocean Park in April last year where they were victorious in the Gr1 All-Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick. Tofane has had five subsequent starts, with her best result being a third placing in the Gr2 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) at Flemington last September. The 5YO mare has had just the one run this preparation, finishing seventh in the Gr2 Sapphire Stakes (1200m) at Randwick last month and placed in her subsequent 1000m trial at Doomben last week. Her owners are currently contemplating her racing future, and while Saturday's run will help dictate that choice, Moroney is confident she will remain an equine athlete for a little while longer. "If I was to take a guess now, I would say she will race on next season…" Intimating a step up in distance is in her future plans, he said, "Her second dam won four mile and a half Group 1s; it is a really good staying family, and with [her sire] Ocean Park winning a Cox Plate (Gr1, 2040m), it really looks like what she should be doing and she is starting to run that way. She is looking more like a 1400m-plus horse to me."

Opie Bosson will reunite with Tofane at Doomben (pic: Bradley Photographers)