OTI Racing has some team members it has Spring aspirations for set to resume this week, but arguably most interest is in one of its triallers.
Melbourne Cup fancy Deakin will be back in action at the Pakenham jumpouts on Tuesday morning.
The Phillip Stokes-trained French gelding announced himself one of Australia’s most exciting stayers last preparation, which concluded with a win in the Listed Roy Higgins Quality and Terry Henderson said what they have seen from him this campaign has only heightened their enthusiasm for his return.
“We’ve had to keep the brakes on him a little bit because he’s been doing so well,” the OTI Racing boss said.
“He looks to have come back with a bit of bit more speed, to be honest. He seems quite sharp.
“He might not even be a Melbourne Cup horse in reality. He might be more Caulfield Cup horse or a 2000-metre, 2400-metre horse.
“We’re just not quite sure where he fits in that that mould yet but he’s very well and we’re really happy with him.”
Tuesday’s jumpout will be Deakin’s second of the preparation, following a lowkey sixth placing over 800m on the Heath track at Caulfield on July 30.
The six-year-old son of Australia will resume in the $1 million Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 30 and will then contest the 1600m Makybe Diva Stakes after which the remainder of his spring campaign will be put in place.
He was among the nominations for the $5 million Caulfield Cup (2400m) when they closed last Tuesday, as was Group 1 New Zealand Derby placegetter Golden Century, who kicks off his campaign in a 1500m maiden at Hawkesbury on Tuesday.
OTI also has exciting Shamus Award colt Cinturato down to debut at Sale this Sunday.
The Mark Walker-trained colt is yet to be seen at the races, but was among the entries for the $6m Cox Plate (2040m) and caused jaws to drop at Cranbourne last Monday when he strolled home by eight lengths in a jumpout.
