Daqiansweet Junior was a special horse to OTI Racing and his ownership group. Not just a winner of 7 of his 30 race starts, ‘DJ’ took his owners on a Cups journey at the highest level. A winner of the 2022 Adelaide Cup, 3rd in the 2022 Sydney Cup, 6th in the 2022 Melbourne Cup and again 5th when contesting the 2023 version. He was a grand stayer.
When one ownership story closes, another opens and that brings us to Kazaru. Purchased out of NZ when DJ was at the height of his powers in 2023, Kazaru is his 2-year-old half-sister. A filly by Embellish, a promising sire of middle-distance and staying types, Kazaru will undoubtedly improve further into her three-year-old season and for further distance. It has been more than encouraging therefore to see her competitive at the jumpouts and deemed ready for the full race experience as a younger filly.
Kazaru finishes 4th in Pakenham trial on May 27, 2025 (red silks, black and white sleeves)
In the hands of Phillip Stokes, a 2-year-old racing campaign was not high in our thinking for Kazaru at the commencement of this season. Phillip’s patient and expert handling has seen her flourish and thrive. She is considered professional, adaptable and with the precocity to be competitive in this educational preparation.
There are no grand expectations for Kazaru on debut on Thursday, and nor should there be. DJ didn’t win until race start #5. It’s difficult to know the quality she is facing, however many of the big trainers, owners and stallions are represented. What it is, however, is a start. A brand-new journey for a brand-new ownership group. We long for it to be a long and successful ride.