Trainer Tim Donnelly is preparing to saddle Pietro Road in the Raising Hope With Steph Benchmark 66 Handicap (1000m) at Wagga on Saturday, where the six-year-old son of champion sire I Am Invincible will aim for his second victory at the Riverina track since Donnelly’s relocation from Sydney’s Team Hawkes stable.
Pietro Road, who carries an illustrious pedigree as the second foal of Oscietra—herself the first foal of the legendary Black Caviar—secured his maiden win at Tatura in October 2024. Nearly two years later, he recorded his last victory in a Benchmark 66 event at Wagga, narrowly missing back-to-back wins at the same track and distance earlier this month. Priced at $2.90, Donnelly noted that the horse has been performing well, despite challenges with the barriers.
“He’s an even-money chance to rear up in the gates every start,” Donnelly said, highlighting Pietro Road’s tendency to be fractious at the jump, particularly from barrier one, which he faces again in Saturday’s race. “His sectionals, coming from near last, are always going to be pretty good. He is coming along really well and looks a picture. If he can jump, he’s the one to beat.”
Ahead of Pietro Road’s race, Donnelly also has Eyes Right set to compete in the Junee Prime Lamb Maiden Plate (1400m) at shorter odds of $23. Eyes Right, a filly noted for her one-paced running style, is expected to improve on recent efforts under a potentially altered race strategy. Donnelly explained that her previous race tactics—leading early in the first-up start and then being restrained in the next—may have limited her performance. With a wide barrier draw on Saturday, the plan is likely to push forward from the start.
“From the wide barrier, we will probably go forward,” Donnelly said. “She is a one-paced sort of filly and 1400 metres should suit, so we’re hoping for an improved performance.”
In addition to his regional commitments, Donnelly will be present at Randwick later the same day for Golden Eagle meeting, where Super Infinity, a former Hong Kong runner purchased from trainer Mark Newnham, will compete in the Cantanch’s Jewellers Handicap (1100m) at odds of $23. Donnelly, who captured the 1998 George Ryder Stakes, believes the horse is well-suited to Australian racing conditions.
“Mark mentioned he doesn’t like the firm ground over in Hong Kong. He was very consistent and in the market for nearly every start there,” Donnelly remarked. “What suits him is to get back and be ridden patiently, which doesn’t really help in Hong Kong where they go flat out every start.”
Donnelly’s busy Saturday reflects his transition from the Sydney training scene to the Riverina region and his ongoing commitment to campaign a range of horses across different venues.