Ellerslie hosts New Zealand’s premier raceday this Saturday and a strong trio of runners will carry the OTI Racing colours across two Group 1 features as well as the Group 2 Auckland Cup.
Three-year-old Aksil heads to the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) looking to bounce back after his most recent outing in the Avondale Guineas. On face value that performance was disappointing after being well fancied in the market, however he did plenty wrong both before and during the race, which ultimately dulled his finish. The Alexander stable has been very pleased with how he has trained leading up to Saturday and he appears right on track to run a big race. Tactically, the plan will be to ride him more conservatively, with the blinkers coming off in the hope it helps him settle into a better rhythm and gives him every chance to see out the 2400m. Being by Ace High and out of a staying Savabeel mare, we would expect him to get the trip based on his breeding.
OTI’s Ladies syndicated filly Lassified will contest the Group 1 Sistema Stakes for two-year-olds over 1200m. She returns to New Zealand following a quick stint in Sydney where she produced a creditable performance in the Inglis Millennium. Already a stakes winner, the filly by Stay Inside has done a terrific job in just her first racing preparation and has been beautifully managed by the Forsman stable. Bruno Queiroz returns to the saddle on Saturday, having built a strong affiliation with the filly, and she’s drawn ideally in barrier one, which should allow her to secure a favourable run throughout. It would be terrific to see her perform well for her group of female owners and add some valuable Group 1 black type to her record.
Lassified wins Listed Wellesley Stakes on January 3, 2026.
Completing the OTI trio is the Henry Dwyer-trained Paradise Storm, who steps up to 3200m for the first time in the $600,000 Group 2 Auckland Cup. It’s fair to say he’s a horse who requires some special management, so we’ve got our fingers crossed for a smooth trip across the Tasman. The key to his chances will be settling in the run and conserving his energy to see out the trip, with Henry electing to remove the blinkers in the hope it helps him relax through the early and middle stages. In what shapes as a winnable race, we feel he’s more than capable of being competitive provided he does things right during the run. The in-form Joe Doyle takes the ride and the light weight of 53kg is sure to be an added advantage.
A strong contingent of OTI owners is set to travel across to Auckland for the occasion, adding to what promises to be a fantastic atmosphere on New Zealand’s biggest raceday and an exciting day for all involved.