Connections of OTI celebrated wins across the globe this weekend with Almsgiver breaking his maiden and Ottoman Emperor scoring his second consecutive win in the OTI silks.
Finding himself outside the leader in the early stages, Dean Yendall eventually found cover for Almsgiver, one out one back, before peeling out at the 600m mark and going for home in the 1600m 2 and 3YO Maiden at Swan Hill. While the three-year-old is obviously full of talent, he still has a lot to learn. After “having a really good look at everything” once he hit the lead, according to his jockey, he crossed the line with his ears pricked; however, he still managed to win by two lengths with ease.
His trainer, Matthew Williams was pleased with the run, though he felt there is plenty more to come. “Once he works things out, he will be very competitive. We would like him to eventually get out over 2000m; he is still green but it’s good for him to work it out now,” said Williams.
Almsgiver travelled to Australia off the back of strong trials in New Zealand and continued his preparation here, which has resulted in a very positive first campaign. He will go out for a spell now with the view of coming back in a month’s time and potentially aiming at the Country Series through the spring.
Ottoman Emperor put in another good effort to score his second win in a row for OTI and connections in the 1900m 3YO+ Handicap at Gowran Park (IRE). Naturally, his trainer Johnny Murtagh is delighted with the colt and his improvement thus far.
He had to make the running, which was a new experience for him and he didn’t know what to do out in front. He showed his true ability when the outside horse loomed up, stretching out to hit the line well and win running away.
His jockey, Ben Coen shared his thoughts in post-race interview, saying “He did it well at the line. I think a mile-and-a-half will suit him. He still has loads to learn but I like him, he has a nice attitude. Once he gets it together, he’ll be nice.”
“He loves that ground, he’s a good ground horse and he flicked off the top of that well.”
He put in a good effort on a firm track against some progressive horses. Having had a relatively easy preparation, there is plenty left in the tank and the performance puts him in a good position to step up in distance and grade.
Congratulations to all of the winning connections around the world!
