Exciting stayer Young Rascal begins his spring campaign this weekend when he steps out at Moonee Valley. The Intello gelding will contest a Quality Handicap over 2040m (Race 9 – 5:45 pm) with jockey John Allen in the saddle.
The race will be Young Rascal’s first run for OTI and Archie Alexander, and OTI’s CEO Terry Henderson can’t wait to see the promising six-year-old take to the track.
“We just love this horse – he’s got great staying abilities as well as a beautiful laid-back temperament. Archie has been delighted with him so far, and while we’re not getting ahead of ourselves, we’ve got high aspirations for him this spring,” Henderson said.
Young Rascal originally travelled to Australia in autumn for English trainer William Haggas and won the Group 3 Manion Cup before running 7th in the Group 1 Sydney Cup.
Following his autumn preparation, OTI Racing purchased a controlling share in him, with previous owner Bernard Kantor retaining a 50% stake as well. Young Rascal enjoyed a short spell in New South Wales before he travelled to Alexander’s Ballarat stables where he has settled in and impressed in his recent work.
Former trainer William Haggas has been assisting Alexander with preparing the gelding. “He’s been very helpful with the horse…and given me the dos and don’ts with him,” Alexander said on RSN on Thursday morning.
In a Zoom meeting with OTI owners on Thursday evening, Alexander said that he expected the horse to do well on Saturday and that he would continue to improve with each run. “I’m very happy with the horse. He looks very good, his coat is gleaming, he’s a very strong horse, so we’re in a really good spot,” he commented.
The OTI team are looking forward to what the future holds for Young Rascal and wish the ownership group the best of luck with his spring campaign.
