Naraajo, the first foal from Araaja by Merchant Navy, is a rising two-year-old colt trained by Phillip Stokes at Pakenham.
OTI has had a long and successful relationship with the family of Naraajo. His dam Araaja, who raced for OTI owners, was a Listed winner in France and performed well in Australia. She is the half-sister to Tom Melbourne, which is the same family of Fiorente, winner of the Melbourne and Australian Cup.
Naraajo is a son of Merchant Navy, who was unbeaten as a 2YO & a dual Group 1-winning 3YO sprinter by Fastnet Rock.
Described by his handlers as cheeky and lovable, he paraded in excellent fashion (shown below) with a professional temperament.
In just his first preparation, Naraajo has already worked in company with Phillip Stokes at Pakenham. He is progressing in the manner of a horse that will run as a two-year-old. As a result, and given his sire’s precociousness, he has been nominated for both the Golden Slipper and Blue Diamond Stakes.
Phillip commented, “He has had a really good first preparation. He has nice length about him and he’s going to develop into a lovely horse”.
We look forward to a bright future with this colt.