This weekend’s OTI contingent is headlined by two classy females seeking maiden Group 1 success.
The Shaun and Emma Clotworthy-trained Seven Twenty (NZ) (Race 6 – 1:35 pm) will take on New Zealand’s leading juveniles in the Group 1 Sistema Stakes at Ellerslie, while later in the day last start winner Chaillot (Race 7 – 4:15 pm) will contest the Coolmore Classic at Rosehill.
The lightly raced Seven Twenty has come through her luckless run in the Karaka Million in good order according to OTI General Manager, Shayne Driscoll.
He said the daughter of Power is trending in the right direction ahead of Saturday’s race, suggesting that she can measure up with luck in running.
“She was most unlucky that day after drawing an inside gate and being shuffled back in the field at a vital stage,” Driscoll said.
“Facing a smaller field on Saturday and with clear running, we believe that she is capable of figuring in the finish in what appears to be a quality contest between New Zealand’s best two-year-olds.”
Trainer Archie Alexander could not be happier with Chaillot leading into her Group 1 assignment, stating that the mare has continued to improve since her first up success in the Group 3 Frances Tressady Stakes.
Alexander is expecting a forward showing, suggesting that his stable star will have no concerns racing the Sydney way.
He said Declan Bates has been instructed to ride the daughter of Testa Rossa cold from barrier 13 and work his way towards the outside lanes in the straight.
“For any other horse you might be concerned, but for her barrier 13 is fine, we know she doesn’t race well our have much luck when she’s drawn inside,” Alexander said.
“She can just find her feet settle down and if she’s three or four wide with cover somewhere midfield to back that’s just fine.”
Alexander noted that the stable will be monitoring track conditions closely, stating that a heavy surface could see Chaillot struggle to produce her brilliant best.
“A soft track won’t really worry her, but I dread to see a mare like this racing on a bottomless track and using a lot of stamina,” he said.
“She’s got a great turn of foot and on a heavy track I don’t think that we’d see the best of her.”