OTI will look to continue their history of success with Aga Khan bred horses when Ashim arrives in Australia in the new year.
The three-year-old son of Stormy Atlantic was purchased in France last week and will arrive in Sydney in early January before heading to Matthew Smith’s stables.
Ashim joins a string of OTI-owned Aga Khan bred horses, many of which have achieved success on the track, such as Manighar, Lidari and Mirann.
The lightly raced colt’s European form indicates that he has an abundance of potential and will relish Australian conditions.
Of his seven career starts, he has won two and placed 2nd in another. In August this year, he broke his maiden in impressive fashion, powering away to win by one and a half lengths in a 1400m 3yo Handicap at Saint-Cloud.
He recorded consecutive victories in his next start at Chantilly, winning a 1600m 3yo Handicap, where he again demonstrated his excellent turn of foot.
OTI’s General Manager Shayne Driscoll believes Ashim will be perfectly suited to Australian conditions.
“His outstanding win at Chantilly was on quick ground, and his form indicated that he didn’t favour heavier tracks, so we knew he would be an ideal horse to bring straight over.”
“We have high hopes that he’ll continue to show that explosive turn of foot and develop into a classy galloper under the care of Matt Smith.”
Ashim is by Stormy Atlantic, a renowned American sire who has produced over 100 stakes winners in his 21 years at stud. On Ashim’s dam’s side, Ashiyla (by Rock of Gibraltar) was a Listed winner in France and has produced useful performers on the track. Additionally, in Ashim’s family line is multiple Group 1 winner, Ashkalani.
Ashim will arrive at Matt Smith’s Warwick Farm stables in early 2021, with plans for a light autumn preparation before chasing bigger targets in spring.
OTI have a wonderful relationship with Group 1 winning trainer, Matt Smith, experiencing success with European imports including Grey Lion, Attorney and Corncrake.
If you’d like to find out more about Ashim’s plans once he arrives in Australia, please contact us on (03) 9670 0255 or email oti@oti.com.au.
