Greek storyteller Aesop is renowned for his collection of morality tales that have stood the test of time. But this Aesop is no fable.
Four-year-old gelding Aesop is a promising galloper whose untapped potential caught the eye of OTI.
Irish-trainer Jessie Harrington’s admiration for the gelding and encouragement for OTI to purchase him finalised the deal. The gelding is set to resume racing and debut in the OTI silks on the 3rd of April at Cork.
OTI’s CEO, Terry Henderson, underlined the gelding’s capabilities as a top-class middle-distance type and mentioned potential plans for him to travel to Australia later this year.
“He’s shown glimmers of brilliance in his European form. We thought his maiden win at Leopardstown was superb and then his third placing in a very competitive race at Gowran Park reinforced this,” Henderson said.
“Harrington has indicated that she believes he will be at his best between 2000m and 2400m. The stable has a very strong opinion of him and high hopes for his future.
“Of course, a lot comes down to his performances in this upcoming preparation, but Jessie thinks he could run in a race like the Listed Wolverton Stakes at Royal Ascot.
“If all things go well, we’d love to see him make the trip out to Australia in our spring,” Henderson added.
Aesop’s sire, Make Believe, has two Group 1 victories to his name, the French 2000 Guineas and Prix de la Foret. As a stallion, his progeny roll call includes numerous Stakes winners, most notably Group 1 winner Mishriff.
The gelding’s dam, Sadima (by Sadler’s Wells), has an impeccable broodmare record, with all nine of her foals having won, including at Group level. Her most successful foal and Aesop’s half-brother is the Group 1 winning Youmzain.
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