Yesterday’s runners created much excitement amongst OTI owners, as Big Story rounded up the field off a strong tempo at Ballarat to take out race five. Just twenty-five minutes later, Step Aside stepped out to win at Rosehill, with Cloudland finishing a close second, making it an OTI quinella.
Cloudland, who jumped as the favourite in the race led into the home straight, before Step Aside displayed an outstanding turn of foot, narrowly defeating Cloudland on the line by 0.15 of a length.
Both horses are by stallions who stand at Westbury Stud in New Zealand. Redwood and Swiss Ace have been stalwarts of Westbury stud for years, and both have consistently produced a steady flow of winners. Step Aside (Redwood) has won three of his nine career starts and placed a further four times. Cloudland (Swiss Ace) has been equally impressive, with four wins from ten starts as well as four placings.
Winning trainer Chris Waller commented after the race regarding Step Aside, “He tries very hard and it’s good to get a win on board with him first up. He is in for a good preparation. Based on today’s run we will progress through to Saturday grade now and hopefully can be just as competitive.”
Congratulations to all connections of Step Aside, Cloudland as well as Big Story, who also recorded a terrific performance in Victoria and claimed his second career win.
