It was a ‘Super Sunday’ for connections and followers of OTI alike, recording a worldwide four-timer. After a successful afternoon in the Southern Hemisphere at Sandown, with both Aesop and Regal Lion recording strong victories, international runners Lorne and Devore added to our winners list overnight in the Northern Hemisphere.
The ‘Sandown double’ was won in similar fashion – in reasonably large fields, both Aesop and Regal Lion won second up, charging home from the second-half of the field making for thrilling viewing. Aesop, having run so well over the course and distance on his campaign return earlier in September, was able to go one better and win this time around, with Jamie Kah again on board.
Regal Lion flew home from last, as a $41 shot, for jockey Blaike McDougall. This was just his second start for trainer Annabel Neasham, who was trackside for the win. Stabled in Sydney, he had ventured south in search of a drier track and that was the key to this success!
After the thrill at Sandown, we looked overseas to Ireland and France, where both Lorne and Devore finished their races strongly.
Breaking her maiden at her previous start, Lorne made it back-to-back wins for trainer Mario Baratti and connections, proving to be a true stayer over the 3000m distance.
Two-year-old filly Devore was also an exciting watch, as she ran strongly to the line. A strong finish and great performance by the daughter of Zoffany, beating home a number of higher rated horses. She has continued to improve throughout the year and shapes as an interesting prospect next season over a mile and further.
What a great day it was for all connections!