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Trainer James Peters said one of the keys to Ottawa’s maiden win on Sunday was the rise in distance to seven furlongs.
The former Sydney-based China Horse Club three-year-old had thus far run only up to 1200m in three starts at Kranji, running on late for fourth at his last two runs, which were both over Polytrack.
But the son of Foxwedge was an entirely different proposition over the 1400m on turf of the $65,000 War Affair 2015 Stakes, coming off a smothered run in centrefield despite breaking from the outermost alley (12) to race away to a most comprehensive win.
Set alight once he was angled for his run at the top of the straight, Ottawa ($43) lengthened up nicely to go and post a two-length win from the late-closing Danzeb (Oscar Chavez) with $14 favourite O’Reilly Star (Shafiq Rizuan) third another short head away. The winning time was 1min 23.01secs for the 1400m on the Short Course.
“I’m really pleased Ottawa won today. He has run up to 1200m so far and his last two runs have been on Polytrack and you could tell he was crying out for a little bit more ground,” said Peters.
“I was a bit concerned about the tricky draw, but Michael is riding in a different league, isn’t he? There was a good speed to the race, and he was able to get him in a great spot.
“That win will do his confidence a world of good. He’s still quirky, like he has his own thoughts about things, but once he puts it together, going forward, the owners will have more fun with him.”
Rodd concurred with the second-year trainer that he had a pretty smart addition to his yard.
“He had a lot of luck from the draw. The pace was on and we were able to slot into a good spot,” said the Australian jockey.
“If you didn’t know him, you would think he’s a colt and he needs to get cut. He still does a few things wrong, but once I let go, gee whiz, he sure quickened.
“He was looking for more ground and he goes better on grass, too, I think.”