Trainer Aaron Purcell recently approached OTI to join him in the purchase of the German horse, Instigator. We knew this horse well from several races in France, where he was a competitor to Casterton and Inverloch. Suffice to say, after completing due diligence, we were delighted to join in the purchase given the credentials and opportunities with this talented stayer.
Instigator is by Nayef, a son of the Champion stallion, Gulch. A Group 1 winner, Nayef was a quality middle-distance/stayer. He is the sire of 27 stakes winners, including Tamayuz (sire of Gallic Chieftain) and numerous other stakes winners.
Instigator comes from an impressive female line. He is the son of the Monsun-mare, Imagery, a Listed-winner in Germany. Imagery is the full-sister of Imonso, a Group 3 winner. She is also the half-sister to Idealist and Idolino. Both recorded significant black-type performances in their respective racing careers.
This is a pedigree page with substance over middle and staying distances.
Instigator is a bay horse around 15.3 hands high. He has a long stride and a well-balanced action. He appears to race best when given time to balance up. He possesses a strong turn of foot – so essential for Australian racing success.
In Europe, Instigator raced as an entire. However, on the advice of respected European horsemen and inspection by Aaron, it was agreed to geld him on arrival in Australia. It is considered that the procedure (which will stop him from becoming too heavy) will help guarantee longer term success.
As the following video will attest, he is a strong and attractive individual.
Instigator has raced 10 times. Nine have been at black-type level.
In six starts as a three-year-old, he won his maiden before campaigning exclusively in stakes races. He was placed in three of the other five starts. Two of these starts were in France, where he competed favourably against both Casterton and Inverloch.
As a four-year-old, he had four starts. Again, all were at black-type level. While unplaced, he was most competitive.
Here he is, third in the Listed Prix Vulcain behind Casterton, who has ventured to Australia this spring in search of a Melbourne Cup start:
Instigator will return to work late spring with an autumn racing preparation front of mind. Races like the Mornington Cup, which brings exemption to the Caulfield Cup, and the Warrnambool Cup would be seen as key targets in his first preparation.
Long-term, it is hoped that Instigator will make top Handicaps quality in the spring of 2019. Certainly, his breeding and early race career provide confidence that this may happen.
Aaron Purcell, who identified and negotiated the deal to buy Instigator, will train this horse from his Warrnambool base. It is felt that the sand dunes and salt water beach work will aid this horse in finding career best performance under Aaron’s care.
Aaron is the consummate horseman. He recently rose to prominence when given the caretaker training duties at Ciaron Maher’s Caulfield stables for six months. He flourished with this opportunity to train some better-quality horses, and he rewarded Ciaron’s faith with two Group 1 victories, including OTI’s Aloisia in the Thousand Guineas.
Aaron is a pro-active trainer that scours the earth for suitable horses to purchase and bring to Australia. Guizot and Swacadelic are two that he has purchased from Europe (for modest prices) and campaigned successfully in Australia.
Instigator provides Purcell with another opportunity to further enhance his reputation as a quality young trainer of stayers.
If you wish to learn more about this gelding, please contact the office on (03) 9670 0255 or by email to oti@oti.com.au
Promoters:
OTI Management Pty Ltd (Authorised Representative No 001238507)
Address: 204/425 Docklands Drive, DOCKLANDS VIC 3008
Telephone: (03) 9670 0255;
Email: oti@oti.com.au
Being an Authorised Representative of:
Stable Connect Ltd (AFS Licence No. 336964)
Address: Level 6, 45 William Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Telephone: 03 9629 3023;
Facsimile: 03 9629 3041;
Email: atims@stablefinancial.com.au
Web: www.stablefinancial.com.au
