As the European season draws to a close, Mr Satchmo has concluded his 3yo racing year with an incredible French rating of 51. With three Listed wins under his belt from his last four runs in France, Mr Satchmo appears ready to take the next step into Group company in 2019. If all goes to plan, that could culminate in a trip to Australia next spring for the Cox Plate.
The progression made by Mr Satchmo in recent times has started to earn him comparisons with another OTI owned and French-bred galloper in Gailo Chop. Gailo Chop’s three-year-old season was simply outstanding. A Listed winner at two, Gailo Chop at three won a Group 2, 2 x Group 3’s and another Listed event, as well as making the trip the US for a tilt at the Belmont Derby. While Mr Satchmo’s record at the higher level cannot match Gailo Chop’s, the esteem in which he is held by the French handicappers puts him not a long way behind.
Both horses have one important common denominator – their trainer Antoine de Watrigant. Based out of Mont de Marsan in the south of France, Antoine has a great eye for young horses and has a close association with OTI. Antoine believes that Mr Satchmo is on the up, maturing at the right time in his career, coming out this campaign as a bigger, stronger horse – and the right attitude to win.
With dynamite form from 1800-2000m and a fierce turn of foot, come the early spring of 2019, we will be eagerly checking the mail in the hope that an invitation marked W.S. Cox Plate is received.