Last weekend OTI celebrated another Group 1 victory with Gailo Chop impressively winning the Ranvet Stakes at Rosehill. Darren Weir has been waiting to see the horse on the wet ground, and Sydney provided just that. Having won many Group 1’s in Victoria, this was Darren Weir’s first in Sydney. It was a great weekend overall for OTI, with nine of our twelve starters finishing top four.
We look ahead to an exciting weekend of Easter racing over three states where Mark Zahra, as the rider of both of our Group 1 contenders this weekend, is undoubtedly seen as the potential Easter Bunny for OTI and our co-owners.
As the Sydney Carnival continues, our autumn star and recent Group 1 winner Gailo Chop will be starting in the Group 1 Tancred Stakes at Rosehill. This race was not on the original plan for this horse and he is unproven at the journey, so many questions will be answered on Saturday. His recent dominance suggests a win is certainly possible.
Our Group 1 winning three-year-old filly Aloisia will be starting in the Group 1 Vinery Stakes, also at Rosehill. The filly has now been in Sydney for a couple of weeks so has had plenty of time to adjust to ‘the Sydney way’ and the stable have reported that she is in great form.
Over in South Australia to see Renew start over the jumps at Oakbank. Disappointing first-up after some impressive trial performance, we hope to see a return to his best on Saturday.
Back in Victoria at Caulfield on Saturday, Fastnet Tempest steps out for the Lindsay Park team. He has drawn 14 of 16 over 1400m, so will need some luck in what looks a very even race.
Easter racing continues on Monday, with two runners at Sandown. Angelic Spirit will be stepping up in distance to 1500m. Again another unfortunate barrier has been drawn, but following her last start win, which showed an impressive turn of foot, we expect her to be competitive in the race.
Following that, Hartington makes his return for the Gelagotis stable. He has trialled well for jockey Beau Mertens and the stable expect him to be hitting the line strongly on Monday. Having been given time to further acclimatise, this former English galloper is expected to make a greater impression on us this preparation.
Best of luck to all connections!
