Charlton & O’Shea Target $3M Big Dance with Cross Tasman

Randwick Trainers Eye Big Dance

Randwick trainers John O’Shea and Tom Charlton are sharpening their campaign for the $3 million Big Dance at Randwick in November. The pair will field Cross Tasman, who returned from a spell after a strong showing in Sunday’s $200,000 Goulburn Australia Goulburn Cup over 1400 m.

Cross Tasman’s Form

Cross Tasman, a five-year-old by Super Seth out of former quality mare Daffodil, has nine starts to date, recording four wins and four minor placings. He finished the previous season with three consecutive victories in the city, and his last two starts before the break were close seconds. O’Shea said the horse “came through the grades well last campaign when winning three in a row in the city” and that the Goulburn Cup “has probably come up a little bit stronger than what we had anticipated, but I’m confident he’ll acquit himself very well as he usually does.”

The trainer added that Cross Tasman has completed two barrier trials to prepare for the Goulburn Cup and that the race “has probably come up a little bit stronger than what we had anticipated, but I’m confident he’ll acquit himself very well as he usually does.” Kerrin McEvoy will ride Cross Tasman in the Goulburn Cup, having partnered Mr Chaplin in the South Grafton Cup.

Supporting Cast

In addition to Cross Tasman, O’Shea and Charlton will have Sanchuelo in the Goulburn race. Dylan Gibbons will ride the Almanzor-bred horse in the Gordon Pub Punters A GPG Hotel Super Maiden Showcase Handicap over 1400 m. O’Shea described Sanchuelo as “a very nice horse by Almanzor that is showing us his share of ability and we are looking forward to seeing him at the races.” He added that the two trials “in preparation for his debut and the 1400 m at Goulburn looks like it will suit. He should run very well.”

Big Dance Eligibility

The pair’s success in last month’s South Grafton Cup, where Mr Chaplin earned eligibility for the Big Dance by scoring in that event, gives them confidence that Cross Tasman can follow a similar path. O’Shea said, “It’s not an easy race at Goulburn by any means, but Cross Tasman is a promising horse and it’s a race we have targeted for him.”

With both trainers and jockeys in place, O’Shea and Charlton are poised to make a strong bid for the Big Dance, hoping Cross Tasman’s recent form translates into a top-six finish and a place in the November race.