O'Darci Oh My

Fit and ready, O'Darci (3 g Darci Brahma - O'Sequita, by O'Reilly) was a winner on debut over 1200 metres on May 9 at Woodville.

Te Akau trainer Jason Bridgman had the strapping individual in terrific order for his first up assignment and coupled with a top ride by Matt Cameron the ability shone through in keeping with his pedigree.

His half-brother Captain Kurt (Volksraad) finished second to Darci Brahma (Danehill) in the 2005 Two Thousand Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m), producing a 10:3-5-2 record, and his grand-dam, Sequita (Sovereign Edition), was a stakes winning mare in a career of ten victories from thirty starts over 1200 - 2000 metres. Strikingly obvious in the form of these horses was their consistency and O'Darci stripped in the right shape to emulate.

“This is the first horse we've had in work for Carol Marshall, Nessie Paykel, Margaret Morris, and Bob Morris,” said Te Akau principal David Ellis. “Over the years I've bought a few horses for them and it's given us a huge thrill with the first horse to have a winner.

“He's a lovely big horse and I was thrilled when they sent the mare to Darci Brahma and even more thrilled when they gave him to us to train. They have been very successful breeders and when I was a young man getting involved in racing I remember Sequita, this horse's grandmother, used to race at Ellerslie and I backed her on several occasions. So, to train the grandson is a big thrill,” said Ellis.

Pushed up to take a handy position, O'Darci improved to second at the 500 metres and made his run closer to the rail. Although the leader was wide on the track, balancing in the straight he sustained a big finish and showed good stretch over the concluding stages.

On footing downgraded from Dead6 to Slow9 early in the programme, O'Darci ran the 1200 metres in 1:13.03, winning by a short neck, and returning $4.30 & $1.80 on the NZ TAB.

“He has taken some time to fill into his frame, but he's a lovely type of horse,” said trainer Jason Bridgman. “He has always shown ample ability and once he finally matures he has the makings of a very handy horse - although I expect him to progress more significantly next season.

“He certainly is a nice prospect and it's terrific to have a horse like him in the stable for these owners. They have been very patient and allowed me to do what is best for the horse, so it's much appreciated,” said Bridgman.

Matt Cameron said: “He's got a nice turn of foot and it was a good effort. For a big horse like him to get 1200 metres was pretty impressive and he's only going to get better”.

“We're over the moon with the win,” said co-owner and breeder Carol Marshall. “He looked fantastic and Jason (Bridgman) and the staff have done a wonderful job with him. He has a lot of Darci Brahma and Sequita in him. She was a beautiful mare and although O'Darci is such a big boy he still has the tow to run over 1200 metres and he should be a good miler in time.

“Sequita died having his dam, O'Sequita, so as a last foal we were nervous and only gave her a little prep because she was the last filly foal. So, she wasn't tried and went straight to stud. Her first foal, Captain Kurt, was very good and we never really saw the best of him. It has been a wonderful family to us.

“I think we'll see a lot of O'Darci next year and the year after, as he's doing it on raw ability at present. Jason has been very patient and we've let him do what he's wanted to do.

“We find that Te Akau is just so far ahead with the communications we get. The photos and reports we get are marvellous and we even got congratulations from Karyn (Fenton-Ellis) just after the race. It is great communication and I tell everyone that. I go to the website each day, and the new one is really good,” said Carol.

Photo - www.raceimages.co.nz