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News

OTI stars in Group races around Australia this weekend

A string of OTI horses are set to contest Group races across Australia this weekend.

At Randwick, Grey Lion and Azuro have both accepted for the time-honoured Group 1 The Metropolitan over 2400m. At Flemington, Haky and Young Rascal will line up in the Group 3 The Bart Cummings over 2510m.

Azuro has accepted for The Metropolitan for the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace stable, with apprentice jockey Louise Day booked to ride. Having drawn barrier 21, the decision to race is still up in the air with the stable considering bypassing the race and going straight to the St Leger Stakes in a fortnight.

Much-loved veteran Grey Lion is currently the fourth emergency in the race for the Matthew Smith stable. The nine-year-old gelding ran a gallant 3rd in the Group 3 Colin Stephen Quality last weekend and will be looking to squeeze into the field to continue his consistent spring preparation.

In Melbourne, Archie Alexander will take an OTI duo to Headquarters for the Group 3 The Bart Cummings.

Three-time Group 3 winner Young Rascal will contest the race carrying the top weight. From barrier five and with John Allen aboard. He’ll be aiming to get a win on the board for his new trainer and new ownership group.

Young Rascal’s last two starts have been below expectations which has seen Alexander look to switching up riding tactics on the horse. Alexander recently told Racing.com that Allen would be instructed to ride Young Rascal “very quiet, tuck him in midfield somewhere, getting him to settle” in the race.

Stablemate Haky is also in great form going into the Group 3, having worked well with Young Rascal earlier this week. Whilst his run in the Naturalism was disappointing, he has come through in good order, and the stable is hoping he’ll bounce back into form with regular rider Declan Bates aboard.

Look out for our weekend preview on Friday for all of the latest news on our weekend runners.