OTI begins 2021 on a high note!

- Freddy Cook

OTI Racing kicked off 2021 in style, with three wins and a second placing paving the way for an exciting year ahead!

Our first runner of the year, Doroza began 2021 with a thrilling victory at Flemington on New Year’s Day. A great steer by apprentice jockey Lachie King saw the Medaglia d’Oro gelding weave through the field to take out a 2000m Benchmark 70 for Matt Cumani.

Later in the day, Hasstobegood had her first win on Australian soil when she was victorious in a Fillies & Mares Benchmark 70 over 1400m. The four-year-old mare produced a barnstorming finish, beating home the field by four lengths with Nash Rawiller in the saddle. It was a well-deserved win for a patient group of owners and trainer Grahame Begg, who will now look towards an autumn preparation.

On Saturday at Doomben, OTI quinelled the Magic Millions Shoot Out Quality with Barade taking out first place and Grey Lion a gallant second.

Barade bolstered his credentials with a superb performance which saw him power down the outside with Jim Byrne aboard. The Archie-Alexander trained gelding will return to Melbourne before heading to Tasmania for the Hobart and Launceston Cups in February.

Grey Lion defied his age and a big weight to produce an explosive finish after coming from the back of the field. With Robbie Fradd riding, the nine-year-old finished second behind Barade and ahead of the favourite, Phaistos. At his 48th start, the Galileo gelding continues to put in solid performances under Matthew Smith’s care.

Congratulations to connections of all four horses!