It was a brilliant weekend for OTI with two horses on the up claiming a metropolitan double.
Fastnet Latina went to Moonee Valley chasing three-straight wins on Friday night and was most emphatic in disposing of his rivals. His trainer, Archie Alexander, was unwaveringly positive in the lead-up to the race and his decision to lead proved a masterstroke.
Jordan Childs has partnered the son of Fastnet Rock in all three Australian starts and the young hoop controlled the race from the outset.
The Moonee Valley winner’s room was barely big enough to house the huge contingent of owners. The success is great reward for their patience with Fastnet Latina having to overcome serious injury that threatened his career. Click here to watch a replay of the race.
The win continued the outstanding run of Alexander who is striking at an incredible 25% this calendar year. Although still far from confirmed, there appears a most suitable 1600m race in Adelaide on April 8 that could next come into play for this entire.
Flemington played host to Victorian racing on Golden Slipper Day and it was a huge thrill to take out the inaugural ‘Grand Handicap’ with the former French galloper, Duke Of Ellington.
A son of Duke Of Marmalade, the 5YO gelding has been patiently handled by Ciaron Maher. His first two Australian starts over unsuitable distances were the grounding he needed heading into Saturday’s 2000M contest.
Up in trip, Luke Nolen was able to settle Duke Of Ellington handy to the speed and once they rounded the home bend he sidled up to the leaders and quickly put the race beyond doubt. He will continue to improve with racing and as the distances get longer with better races during the spring on the radar. Click here to watch a replay of the race.
As the curtain’s drawn on the Victorian Autumn Carnival, OTI is excited to have unearthed two very promising gallopers.