OTI Strengthen Hand

Thu 12 Jul

Leading syndication OTI Racing have acquired a half share in exciting four-year old stayer Gatewood.

Trained by John Gosden and bred by part owner George Strawbridge, the entire is expected to boast an already impressive Melbourne Cup arsenal which also includes fellow acquisitions Quest For Peace, Ibicenco and Prairie Star.

Gatewood, a son of Galileo will have two more runs in the UK before leaving for Australia and OTI's Simon O'Donnell is excited about his prospects. "He'll have his next start in the Glorious Stakes over 2400m at Goodwood on August 3 and then probably one more run before coming to Australia"',He told Nadia Horne on Racing Ahead.

O'Donnell expects Gatewood to have his final qualifying run for the Melbourne Cup in Australia, but says it's far too early to predict a Cup path. "It will all depend on where he sits in the order of entry, but he's only qualified up to 2000m at this stage so that is the first thing we need to address", He said.

Gatewood's Cup preparations will be overseen by Gosden this year, but O'Donnell admits the four-year old may find a new home for subsequent preparations. "He'll most likely stay in Australia following this year's Cup, but we still haven't decided yet. If he was to stay he would most likely end up with Chris Waller". He said.

Gatewood has been installed an early favourite for the 2012 Melbourne Cup alongside defending champion Dunadan.