Tom Melbourne’s half-sister, Araaja, is set to resume for OTI partners at Bourdeaux in south-west of France on Tuesday.
Araaja and Tom Melbourne share the same Dam, Rosanhak, a Spinning World mare who is herself a half-sister to the 2013 Melbourne Cup winner, Fiorente. The filly’s sire, Ifraaj, is a prodigious producer of quality stock around the globe and Turn Me Loose (the 2015 Emirates Stakes winner) is a fine example of his work.
Half the world away from Caulfield, where her more famous half-brother will tackle the Peter Young Stakes on Saturday, this talented 3YO filly will have her third race start in a 1600M Maiden set to jump at 10.55PM (AEDST) on Tuesday evening.
Araaja made her debut at the picturesque Bordeaux track over a mile in October and got back to a clear last before running home strongly for a fast-finishing fourth. The run prompted trainer, Antoine De Watrigant to step her up to 2000M in the southern town of Toulouse and she was most impressive in overcoming a wide run to finish second.
Although one day destined for the breeding barn we have been buoyed by Araaja’s results to date and we look forward to her three-year-old season. The 1600M first up might again prove a little short for her on Tuesday but we expect her to hit the line hard and look forward to seeing her progression this campaign.