OTI will race a promising Camelot colt out of Iffraaj mare Ilioushka, with Chantilly-based trainer Pia Brandt.
When the French-bred colt came to the attention of OTI, the team were immediately attracted.
OTI’s General Manager Shayne Driscoll said that the colt’s classy breeding combined with a glowing recommendation from John Hammond enticed the team to make a bid.
“We thought he showed all the attributes of a star stayer. He has a very striking presence with an athletic, powerful body. Plus, he’s only a youngster so he’s got it all ahead of him,” Driscoll commented.
The colt is impeccably bred, by sire of the moment Camelot, whose progeny have won 33 Group and Stakes winners around the world. On his dam’s side, the colt is out of winning mare Ilioushka who is by three-time Group 2 winner and sire of 10 Group 1 winners, Iffraaj.
One of France’s most astute educators, Philip Baratte, broke in the colt earlier this year and described him as a scopey, impressive animal who he believed would develop into a staying type.
The colt will be OTI’s first horse with Group 1 winning, Chantilly-based trainer Pia Brandt.
“We’re really looking forward to having a horse with Pia for the first time. She has risen through the French training ranks and is consistently in the top 20 trainers in France,” Driscoll added.
“We believe her diligent training style will be perfectly suited for the colt to give him every opportunity to fulfil his potential. From all reports, he is already progressing beautifully under her care.”
OTI has previously experienced success with Camelot’s progeny, highlighted by Downdraft who won the Group 3 Lexus Hotham Stakes in 2019.
To find out more about plans for the exciting colt, please contact us here.