Busy Geelong Cup Day for OTI

- Angus Boyd

There was a period when the Geelong Cup and OTI Racing were synonymous with each other. Between 2008 and 2013, we won the prestigious Cup three times with Bauer, Gatewood and Ibicenco. We have also recorded further placings in the Cup through the efforts of Magic Instinct, Bauer, Manndawi, Grey Lion, Gallic Chieftain, Haky and True Self. It is a fantastic day of racing and a race that we would dearly love to win again.

This Geelong Cup day, OTI’s focus will again be centred around the Cup, given that Amade will be endeavouring to win this race to earn a position in the Melbourne Cup 13 days later. Pre and post the Cup however, attention will flit all around the world in what promises to be a hectic day of racing.

We start in New Zealand, where a 3yo daughter of Vadamos steps out for the first time for the Roger James and Robert Wellwood stable at Tauranga over 1400m. Principessa is a well-bred conveyance that has delighted her trainers since arriving to the stable as a yearling. While undoubtedly she will be improved for the experience and a kinder barrier, she should prove most competitive on debut.

Principessa when purchased as a yearling in New Zealand.

Skipping over to Sydney, the Matthew Dunn stable takes Holstein and Stuck With You to Randwick Kensington for their next assignments. Holstein was unfortunate not to finish closer last time out when held up at a vital stage and faces a similar grade here. Stuck With You hasn’t yet rediscovered his Queensland form from last preparation since relocating to Sydney, but we are hopeful he can start to turn that around in Race 3.

Attention will then move down to Geelong, with Amade contesting the Group 3 feature. A little disappointing in his most recent run at Flemington, a return to his Autumn form lines would see Amade most competitive in this event. A top 3 finish would see him remain in contention for a tilt at the Melbourne Cup, however a win would almost certainly secure a start.

Later in the day, we have two contestants in the Heat of the Country Series Championship, where a top 2 finish by either (or both) would grant a run in the $500,000 Series Final at Flemington on Oaks Day. Blue Ocean (first-up for Phillip Stokes) and Petruchio (freshened by Archie Alexander) are both considered each way chances in a good quality affair. Should the track have a run-on bias, their respective chances improve.

Blue Ocean (NZ) ridden by Ben Allen wins the Next Payments Handicap at Caulfield Racecourse on April 24, 2021 in Caulfield, Australia. (Scott Barbour/Racing Photos).

Our day does not end there however, with Timour set to contest the Listed Prix Vulcain at Deauville, France later that night. Placed at Group 2 level last start, we expect Timour to start amongst the most favoured runners and a repeat of his last start exploits would almost certainly have him in the finish in this event. He is a horse destined for Australian shores, with that first Tuesday in November of 2022 a dream for his owners.

Perhaps Timour will be our 2022 Geelong Cup contender and continue the affiliation of OTI to Geelong?

We wish all of our connections the very best of luck!