Get ready for an exciting tale of thoroughbred racing and a rising star in the making!
Yulong Investments, a force to be reckoned with, has been making waves in New Zealand this season. Their strategic purchases of top-notch three-year-old fillies have paid off yet again at Ellerslie, where they secured a remarkable quinella in the prestigious Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m).
The story of Yulong's success is intertwined with their undefeated Group One winner, Well Written, a $4 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) favorite. On Saturday, at the Auckland track, the spotlight shone on their exciting staying prospect, Ohope Wins, who emerged victorious over another recent acquisition, Autumn Glory, in the Oaks.
Trained by the dynamic duo of Lance O'Sullivan and Andrew Scott, Ohope Wins was ridden off the pace, starting three from the back, and faced a challenging journey. However, jockey Joe Doyle's cool-headed approach paid off, as he guided his charge wide, allowing her to showcase her true class and power past her rivals, winning by an impressive 2-1/4 lengths.
O'Sullivan, reflecting on the performance, said, "She's a proper horse, that's the best way to describe her." He added, "I was panicking a bit more than Joe, but when he came from the outside, I saw she had a long way to make up. Yet, she did it with ease."
The future looks bright for Ohope Wins, with the Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) on Champions Day at Ellerslie in the coming weeks as a potential target. O'Sullivan plans to discuss the next steps with the connections, ensuring they make the best decision for the filly.
Doyle, euphoric after the win, labeled Ohope Wins as the best three-year-old he's ever ridden. He praised her training, saying, "She's been trained to the minute." Doyle's confidence in her abilities is evident as he believes she can overcome any challenge, be it a poor draw or unfavorable ground conditions.
The decision on the New Zealand Derby is still pending, but Doyle sees it as a no-brainer, asking, "When are you going to get a better opportunity?"
Ohope Wins, the first winner from Choux Mania, has a remarkable lineage, being a half-sister to NZ Horse of the Year Jimmy Choux and Group I winner Miss Wilson. Her odds for the Derby have shortened to a favorite $1.60 on the TAB's New Zealand Derby futures market, while Yulong's Well Written leads the NZB Kiwi market at $1.20.
But here's where it gets controversial... Should Ohope Wins take on the boys in the Champions Day Classic? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's discuss this exciting prospect's future!
