Unbeaten Blueblood returns

Trainer Danny O'Brien will be looking to get on the board with his first win of the new season when he takes a team of four to Echuca on Thursday which includes the unbeaten Redoute's Choice entire Vettel.

A $550,000 purchase at the 2009 Sydney Easter Yearling Sales, Vettel has won his only start in a maiden at Geelong back in November last year, pictured, before a leg injury sidelined the promising colt as he prepared for a crack at the Autumn Carnival.

"He has always had the ability, it's just that he has needed time firstly to get to the races and then secondly to overcome his injury," O'Brien said.

O'Brien has been pleased with the horse's progression through a couple of recent barrier trials this preparation and the trainer is hopeful the horse can keep his unbeaten record in tact for his owners.

"The draw is not great, but we will leave it up to Jamie (Mott) and I would disappointed if he didn't figure in the finish in this event."

Vettel is not the only well-bred galloper O'Brien is taking to Echuca as his first starter for Emirates Park in Race 1, Taajir, is a Al Maher half-brother to super stallion Encosta De Lago.

"He has big shoes to fill when you think who his brother is, but we are not expecting too much from him first time out at the races," O'Brien said.

"Taajir is a lovely colt and we are hoping he can add further to the pedigree page of his mother with a win in the not to distant future."

O'Brien will also saddle up Oratorium and Fortza at the meeting as he looks to kick-start his 2012/2013 season.

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