With an educational racing campaign under his belt as a two-year-old, Mocking is set to return as a three-year-old this Sunday at Leopardstown, contesting a 2000m Handicap. If the opinion of Johnny Murtagh (the ex-Champion jockey and now top trainer in Ireland) holds any weight (which it does), he is set for a big 3yo season in Ireland.
From the time he arrived in Johnny’s stable, he has loved the gelding. He sees Mocking developing into a top middle-distance stayer, reporting to owners earlier this week “I think he’s going to do very well this year. He’s a pretty smart horse”.
We are no strangers to Johnny’s early, and accurate, predictions. Obtaining Ottoman Emperor as a young horse, Johnny was quick to declare him Group quality. He then went on to win a prestigious G3 event for OTI. Similarly, it was early days when Johnny reported that Natural Ruler was shaping up as a smart three-year-old that would be up to the standard in Australia. He won nicely on two occasions in Ireland and is now progressing very well with Sam & Anthony Freedman.
Following Sunday’s race, Mocking should progress from that run up to 2400m by mid-year when the quality 3yo staying races, including Royal Ascot, are programmed. Ultimately, we believe him to be capable of following the same path as horses like Deakin, to compete at the top level in Australia.
For more information on Mocking’s future, please contact oti@oti.com.au