OTI’s first acquisition of the new year is a promising Power filly, Seven Twenty. The 2yo will have her first start for OTI in one of New Zealand’s richest races, the Karaka Million 2YO on January 23rd.
OTI’s General Manager Shayne Driscoll said the acquisition of a 50% share in the filly was an exciting way to kick-off 2021.
“It’s not every day that the chance to buy into a horse whose next start is in a million-dollar race comes up. We’re looking forward to seeing her step out for OTI and hoping she can put in a strong effort,” Driscoll said.
“She’s well-bred, has a striking physical presence and her recent form shows all the attributes of a very talented filly with an abundance of potential,” he added.
Lightly raced, the filly has had a promising start to her career, having placed in her two runs. It was her most recent race in late December that stood out to the OTI team. In the race, Seven Twenty demonstrated her tenacity to overcome a tough run and finish second behind Palamos, who is now favourite for the Karaka Million 2YO.
Driscoll commented that whilst they would wait until after the Karaka Million to make plans, an Australian Group 1 could be on the horizon.
“We’re not getting ahead of ourselves, but if she runs well in the Karaka Million, she could potentially head to the Group 1 JJ Atkins in Brisbane in May,” he commented.
The filly is currently trained at the Byerley Park stables of Shaun and Emma Clotworthy, who ranked 17th in the New Zealand Training Premiership for the 2019/20 season.
By dual Group 1 winning stallion Power, Seven Twenty’s bloodlines on both sides are solid. Her dam, Ma Belle Ami, has already produced Group 2 placed Tivaan Warrior.
OTI wishes Seven Twenty’s new ownership group the best of luck in the Karaka Million 2YO race!