In 2025, the partnership of OTI Racing and trainer Phillip Stokes celebrated a memorable triumph when Femminile proved too strong in the Group 1 South Australian Derby at Morphettville, continuing the operation’s rich tradition of success in staying features. 12 months on, the same combination is poised to chase back-to-back Derby wins, with emerging talents Wigmore (NZ) and Kazaru (NZ) set to carry our hopes in the $1m Classic.
Wigmore shapes as the intriguing newcomer. A fourth-place finisher in the 2026 New Zealand Derby, the son of Sweynesse has recently joined the Stokes stable with connections identifying the South Australian Derby as his ideal target in his first preparation.
Stokes has been encouraged by the gelding’s early work at home, describing him as a “real staying type” with the proven ability to thrive over the Derby’s testing 2500m journey. The Chairman’s Stakes has been used as a stepping stone, with the stable viewing Saturday’s feature as the race that truly suits his attributes.
In contrast, Kazaru brings a more established Australian profile into the race. The progressive filly, a half-sister to Melbourne Cup performer Daqiansweet Junior, announced herself as a genuine staying prospect earlier this year when claiming the Listed Tasmanian Oaks. A strong finish in the Auraria Stakes was followed by a competitive run in the Australasian Oaks, and she has earned her place in this Group 1 field. Unfortunately, the barrier gods have not been kind to her for a second successive race, drawing the outside gate in a field that will start 16.
Fillies have enjoyed remarkable recent success in the South Australian Derby, winning the past two editions, including Femminile’s victory for OTI and Stokes in 2025. The question now is whether the OTI–Stokes alliance can once again conquer Morphettville’s grand stage. If history is any guide, we won’t be far away.