Shakopee

OTI is delighted to release this beautifully bred staying prospect that has recently arrived on Australian shores after a promising start to his career in the United Kingdom.

Shakopee is a tough, lightly raced stayer whose versatility gives his trainer and jockey options when mapping out a plan, and targeting specific races. He is well suited to Australian staying events and should continue to build on his winning record.

With three wins across two seasons in the UK, Shakopee is a proven commodity in one of the strongest staying regions in the world. He has won from 1700M up to 2400M and there’s no reason he won’t be winning over further in Australia.

Shakopee is by the dominant Irish staying sire, High Chaparral, himself an Irish Derby winner. This magnificent producer of quality stayers has a strong affinity with Australian racegoers through his star-studded progeny that includes the modern-day champion, So You Think.

Shakopee’s dam, Tentpole was a winner over 3000M at the world-famous Curragh Racecourse in Ireland. She’s produced eight foals for seven winners with middle-distance and staying ability screaming off her page. Her most notable foal was the Irish gelding, Too Much Trouble who won in GB, Italy and UAE and was competitive at Group 3 and Listed level.

The bloodlines of Tentpole are outstanding.  She is from the family of Snow Bride (Group 1 Oaks winner in the USA), Lammtarra (Champion European 3yo and a Group 1 Derby winner) and Aesop’s Fables (Group 1 winner in France).

Shakopee will commence his Australia career in quality restricted handicaps before working his way up to black type racing.  On the current timetable and with what the gelding is showing on the track, he should be racing in late March. Ideally, he should get a good preparation of 3 or 4 races before being spelled with spring races in mind.  Clearly, with his known staying potential, a race like the Bart Cummings would be a perfect target.

Previously trained by Luca Cumani, Shakopee has been transferred to Matt Cumani at Ballarat.  The Ballarat training environment, with the straight, uphill sand track available for use, is seen as perfect for a horse with Shakopee’s personality traits.  We expect him to thrive in Matt’s capable hands.