Another 1600m Midway, another determined finish from rearward, and another victory! OTONO made it 3 wins from her last 4 starts in charging home at Kembla on Friday, chalking up a 50% win strike rate in the process.
The 4yo mare who’s only been with Kerry Parker for her last three runs, is clearly relishing the quieter environment of Kembla Grange in contrast to the hustle and bustle of Warwick Farm where she’d been trained previously.
“Just have to ride this mare to be strong late because she has a go”, jockey Jay Ford said after the race, referencing her failure at Newcastle 3 runs prior when ridden on the speed.
“The option is there on the table to go further, am not sure how far. Am sure she’ll tick 1800m. Was really rapt to see her go back to back today out of a restricted event into a Benchmark 64.”
A terrific training performance by @kjparkerracing to get OTONO 2 wins from 3 starts since joining his stable. A daughter of @ArrowfieldStud THE AUTUMN SUN, this mare could be one to watch when she gets over a staying trip next prep. Another @inglis_sales Premier graduate!… pic.twitter.com/30cDsdjJ4o
— PR🟢VEN Thoroughbreds (@ProvenTbreds) March 14, 2025
Kerry echoed those views saying, “I was thrilled with the way she hit the line today and she just seems to be a happy horse in a good frame of mind.”
Plans are uncertain for the lightly raced daughter of THE AUTUMN SUN but as she’s five runs deep into a preparation, a spell is most likely.
Horses going to the paddock on a high is invariably a positive for their upcoming campaigns. However Kerry will monitor her closely in coming days before making a call. Suffice it to say, this is a mare with a healthy future.
A $100,000 yearling from the Inglis Premier Sale, OTONO was the 34th winner for the Proven colours in Season 2024-25.
