Albany connections dreaming big in bid to claim The Bluff Knoll slot race riches with cheap purchase Oxbridge

Albany trainer Stephen Sheehy says they are daring to dream with their stable star Oxbridge heading into Sunday’s $400,000 Wellington and Reeves Bluff Knoll (1099m) slot race. Oxbridge is one of five Albany gallopers in the race but will carry the hopes of many local punters, having flourished into an ultra-consistent sprinter since joining the Sheehy stable. A dominant Albany 1100m winner to start this campaign carrying 60.5kg, Oxbridge was thrown in the deep end but went on to win the listed Summer Scorcher (1000m) at Ascot on New Year’s Day and then was fifth in the listed Miss Andretti Stakes (1100m) before a short let-up. The eight-year-old will run in the slot for local industry identity Alan Smith. Sheehy said he and connections jumped at the chance to be involved in the second running of Albany’s lucrative slot race and said a win on the big stage would be “unreal”. “The owners of this horse are born and bred in Albany so for them they are over the moon,” he said. “It’s very nice for someone to put the money up for us, I feel a bit of privileged and humbled to be honest. “It’s a dream for all of us, they bought this horse for $10,000 and didn’t expect this. “For them to win it would be unreal and it’s been great to be part of the journey. “This horse has taken us for a hell of ride.” Oxbridge was crowned the Great Southern Horse of the Year last season, winning five races in a career-best period. The natural on-pace gelding will carry 56.5kg and jump from barrier 10 with Holly Watson aboard. “The horse is looking well, doing well and going well and is just as good as when he went up for Summer Scorcher,” Sheehy said. “He is so honest and just gives his best every time, I’m confident he’ll match it with the top liners. “The break has got him back where I want him in terms of condition, body wise and mentally. “He doesn’t handle the travel well. “Barrier 10 is a bit of a worry but it will be handlebars down. “He is ticking a few boxes and the weight is good too.” Rope Them In will start in the SJ Wolfe Racing slot with Shaun McGruddy engaged and 57.5kg on his back while Gift Of The Heart for the 4 Mugs Syndicate is prepared by Roy Rogers. Now with Albany trainer Paul Hunter, Almighty Class will be ridden by Jason Whiting for the Panizza Brothers and Willaview while Morgs Freeman will run for RAM Racing Syndicate in Smith’s colours.