Famous American author Mark Twain once wrote “it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog”. This certainly rings true in the world of horse racing, where fight and determination are paramount to mere size. OTI Racing’s latest addition to the library is aptly named Mark Twain, and we hope that the fight within him is fierce.
Mark Twain (the 2yo) is by Shocking out of the Prized mare, Pinders Prize. Shocking’s success as a sire is certainly not fiction with the current group-performing progeny I’m Thunderstruck, Self Obsession, Elephant, and Surprise Baby all significant examples of his ability. Pinders Prize has already produced the stakes-performing stayer Pentathlon and the undefeated Startled.
The first chapter began when Mark Twain was originally showcased at Karaka’s breeze-ups last year. While Shocking is a stallion that is renowned for producing exceptional middle-distance and staying types, Mark Twain demonstrated an intense burst of speed with a 200m charge in 10.98 seconds. He is now with the New Zealand based stable of Roger James and Robert Wellwood, who are confident that his maturity and strength will see him fit to race by the spring 3yo season.
With a considerable burst of speed and rich pedigree, OTI Racing hopes that the fight within Mark Twain is one of great magnitude. His career is yet to commence and, as a result, his story is yet to be written. We hope it will be a wonderful tale.