While our colours have already been seen regularly around the country in 2025, the next wave of horses have been preparing for their respective 2025 race debuts in various trials. On the back of positive trial efforts, horses to look out for include:
LOAFER (Hellbent x Head Over Heals ’22)
A two-time winner already from her five career starts for Archie Alexander, Loafer tuned up for her first run of the year with a strong trial victory at Burrumbeet on January 6 in wet conditions. The dominant victory suggests to us that our full sister to Vivy Air is on track to be winning more races shortly.
Loafer wins her trial at Burrumbeet (leading, dark blue cap).
Loafer has accepted to run at Geelong on Wednesday January 15.
LINCOLN ROCKS (Road To Rock x Princess Maryanne ’18)
A lightly raced six-year-old with 5 wins from just 15 career starts, Lincoln Rocks has a great deal of upside to come. On the way he trialled at Pakenham on January 14, we appear set to enjoy a fruitful preparation with Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald.
Settling last over the 1000m journey, Lincoln Rocks scooted up the inside over the concluding stages and took the lead late to record a comfortable victory. He could well require another trial prior to a first-up race being confirmed.
Lincoln Rocks wins his Pakenham trial (light blue cap).
WYMARK (Savabeel x Pasadena ’20)
Not yet seen in OTI colours at the races, Group 2 winning 3yo Wymark will display his new threads in the coming weeks, with OTI having acquired an interest in the off-season.
Now a 4yo and having a 2nd trial at Canterbury on January 9 for Michael Freedman, Wymark displayed the characteristics that led to our attraction to him in the first place. With 9 months passed since he last raced, Wymark appears on track to make a successful return this autumn.
Wymark finished 3rd in his trial (OTI silks).
UNUSUAL PROSPECT (Unusual Suspect x Shibboleth ’20)
In a trial that also contained OTI’s Gran Caballo, destined for an Australian debut soon, Unusual Prospect was the eye-catching finisher for John O’Shea and Tom Charlton in the same colours.
Unusual Prospect finished 4th in his trial (OTI silks).
Arriving from NZ in November following his 2nd placing on debut, Unusual Prospect is expected to win early in his preparation as an older maiden considered ready to go. He should then progress onto bigger and better things in his future.