Group I trainer John O’Shea does love his savvy Karaka purchases such as Group I ATC Randwick Guineas winner Lion’s Roar and we saw another one make a winning debut at Newcastle on Thursday.
Two year-old Tavistock colt Cotehele was sent out equal favourite in an all aged 1300m maiden and ran out a dominant three and a half length winner over the other equal favourite Tuscan Gaze.
A $100,000 Karaka Book 1 purchase from the Valachi Downs draft for his trainer, Cotehele runs for a syndicate that includes long time stable client Ron Finemore and Frank and Christine Cook.
Cotehele is an interesting Tavistock on pedigree as he’s a half-brother to Group I NZ Two Thousand Guineas winner Ugo Foscolo from an Australian female family.
He is the third winner from three foals to race from Bequests, a half-sister by Stravinsky (USA) to stakes-winner Green Roller from stakes-winning Canny Lad mare Given, whose family features Group I sprinters With Me and Accomplice.
Tavistock might be known for his classic horses, but he can get a sharper horse as he was himself and Cotehele may well be one of those.
