At just her second start for Kerry Parker, OTONO staged a powerful burst from last to land the Midway Class 1 at Wyong Thursday, atoning for her most recent defeat.
The 4yo mare had under achieved when a beaten favourite on the Newcastle-Beaumont track at her first outing for Kerry after breaking her maiden status at Orange when prepared by Joe Pride.
Jockey Jay Ford had planned to ride the mare quietly but that tactic was exaggerated when she was tardy away from the 1600m start.
Ford patiently waited until the 600m mark before asking the question and initially OTONO looked to be struggling but under vigorous riding circled the field and sustained a long run to score by an ultimately comfortable margin of 0.65 lengths.
Otono makes it her second career win from start number five! đź‘Ś@kjparkerracing pic.twitter.com/R4J12bX9LH
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) February 27, 2025
“Generally when they go that slow round here, it’s hard to round them up,” Jay said post-race.
“I like the fact that she’s adaptable, she’s shown she can be effective in different ways and she’s back in the winners’ stall. “
The victory was Proven’s 32nd this season and OTONO’S 2nd in just five starts.
Bred by Arrowfield Stud, the daughter of THE AUTUMN SUN was a $100,000 purchase three years ago from the Inglis Premier Sale which coincidentally starts this Sunday in Melbourne.
