Exciting NZ galloper, Otago took another step towards the Group 1 Australian Guineas on 2nd March with a tough win at Flemington on Saturday. In what looked to be a workman like performance to just catch the leaders and win by a half length, the sectional times were scintillating considering the moderate tempo early. Two sub 11 second furlongs at the pointy end of the race got the win for the RTD team and Price/Kent racing and only good horses can reel those off to win races, in fact you need to be able to do that to win Group 1 races.
Otago (NZ) ridden by Beau Mertens wins the Victorian Jockeys Association Trophy at Flemington Racecourse on January 13, 2024 in Flemington, Australia. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos)
With 6 weeks to the Guineas, Mick Price has sent the 3YO son of Ocean Park to Monometh Stud for a week of rest and recreation which consists of water walking and grazing in paddocks during the day. The next assignment will be in 3 weeks time, the Group 3 C.S Hayes Stakes at Flemington over 1400m and all things being equal the Group 1 Australian Guineas a further 3 weeks later.
Its an exciting ride for the horses owners as he was purchased in NZ off a trial, a process RTD and Price/Kent Racing have done very well withe the likes of Ayrton, Globe and now Otago. With our recent purchase Understudy on his way out from NZ next week, lets hope he can continue the trend of stakes winners coming across the ditch.
Otago (NZ) ridden by Beau Mertens returns to the mounting yard after winning the Victorian Jockeys Association Trophy at Flemington Racecourse on January 13, 2024 in Flemington, Australia. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos)
