The OTI team will once again be represented in one of France’s key staying tests, as Sevenna’s Knight returns to Saint-Cloud to contest the Group 1 Prix Royal-Oak this Sunday.
Last year, Sevenna’s Knight came close to breaking through at the top level when finishing runner-up in this very race. Beaten only by Double Major, the old rivals will meet again this weekend with Sevenna’s Knight out for redemption.
Second in Prix Royal-Oak last year
OTI’s star stayer comes into the Royal-Oak off the back of a solid 3rd at Saint-Cloud in his latest prep run, where he wasn’t suited at all by the tempo. Before that, he had also run 3rd in the Group 2 Prix Kergorlay, another race that unfolded in a manner that didn’t suit his style. Connections are confident that a stronger pace in the Royal-Oak will play right into his hands. An added boost comes with the return of Mickael Barzalona in the saddle, who has partnered him to success at Group level before.
At 3100m and often run on rain-affected autumn ground, the Royal-Oak has long looked a suitable Group 1 target for Sevenna’s Knight. Victory here would not only redeem last year’s near-miss but also deliver a much deserved first Group 1 win for the entire to cap what has been an brilliant career to date.
Plans will be made following the race but a trip to Australia would not be out of the question.