Green Birdie Confirmed For Monash

Wed 11 Jul

Former Hong Kong sprinter Green Birdie is all set for a return to racing in Australia when he lines up in Saturday's Listed John Monash Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield.

The now eight-year old came through a jump-out unscathed at Caulfield on Tuesday for new trainer Tony Vasil and will be ridden by Damien Oliver. "He came through the jump-out in good order yesterday and both Damien and Tony were very pleased", Vasil's racing manager Sam Doran told Nadia Horne on Racing Ahead. "He's a lovely horse, a very good mover and were pleased to have acquired him. "

Green Birdie, winner of the 2010 G1 KrisFlyer International Sprint (1200m), hasn't raced in Australia since finishing fourth in the G1 Ascot Vale Stakes as a three-year old when under the care of Brian Jenkins, and Doran says the public shouldn't expect too much in his return. "We're confident he'll run well, but he'll definitely improve on whatever he shows and be even better in the Bletchingly Stakes in a fortnight's time". Doran said.

The Listed John Monash Stakes has attracted a capacity field of seventeen runners this Saturday.