Dissident 3YO More Than Okay

Media Release - Friday October 11

There was a big rap on Okay Pal heading into his debut performance at Phar Lap Raceway on Friday and the Michael and Matthew Pitman-trained three-year-old didn't disappoint.

Okay PalHe pinged out of his outside barrier in the 14 horse field to take an early lead for jockey Sam Weatherley and never looked back, kicking clear in the straight to win the Equine Veterinary Services Dash (1200m) by three lengths.

The son of Dissident received a lot of attention from bloodstock agents after his impressive 800m trial win at Ashburton last month, however, a failed vet inspection resulted in a sale, reported to be worth $500,000, falling through.

"I reckon he is the best horse I have ever put a saddle on. He is a super horse," Michael Pitman said.

"We had him sold for a massive amount of money, but some clown up north didn't vet him out. But never mind, that's his business. I am guessing the phone will be red hot after today, but they will have to pay a lot more for him now."

Purchased for just $8,000 by Pitman, Okay Pal is nominated for the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), but his connections also have richer spoils in-mind.

"I nominated him a couple of weeks ago for a $2 million race at the Gold Coast," Pitman said. "He was a $170,000 weanling, a $220,000 yearling and I bought him for only four digits in June (last year).

"His X-rays were perfect and his scope was perfect. He is just a lovely specimen and he is nominated for every Magic Millions race in Australia.

"If we get there, we get there, but I will look after him."

Advertisement

The victory was an emotional one for Pitman, with Oaky Pal being a daughter of stakes-placed mare Sun Valley, whom Pitman trained for stable client and close friend Jim Campin.

"When I stop and reflect, I know it is a very special occasion for us, especially for Dianne," he said.

"She saw the horse walking around the ring and said 'this is a third generation Jim Campin' and he was one of the greatest influences on my training career.

"He sent us so many nice horses. We won over 100 races for Jim and he was a terrific owner and a good bloke. Unfortunately Jim got what I had (cancer), but I have survived and Jim didn't."

While Pitman has held Okay Pal in high regard for some time, he was buoyed by Weatherley's opinion on the gelding after he rode him to his trial victory.

"When Sam won on him at the trials he said to Dianne this could possibly be the best horse I have put a leg over," Pitman said.

"There must be some semblance of truth because he absolutely bolted in today." – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Oaks Day Stakes-Winner for Dissident
Won last year by Melbourne Cup winner Vow and Declare, the Listed VRC TCL TV Stakes (1800m) for three year-olds at Flemington on Thursday was won in good style by progressive Dissident gelding Pancho.
Briasa Boost as More Youngsters Impress on HIT Sale Eve
The timing couldn’t be better for a sale page's pedigree boost, with Briasa announcing himself as one of Australia’s most exciting sprinters following his dominant victory in Saturday’s $1 million Group Two Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday October 7
Here is the full list of 25 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
OTI Racing officially enters New Zealand market
OTI Racing is officially going trans-Tasman, with the Australian syndicator becoming a licensed New Zealand syndicator this week.
Gimcrack Winner Bred By Cornerstone
THE "BACKSLAPPING" in the backwaters of the Barossa on Saturday afternoon, paled into insignificance when compared to the celebrations of the connections of SHIKI that won on debut!
Impressive Winner for Dissident
It was always anticipated the progeny of Australian Horse of the Year Dissident might take a little while to hit their stride and as we move to towards the end of the season, the son of Sebring is churning out a steady stream of winners with the Tony Gollan trained Ingear winning on debut in brilliant fashion at Ipswich on Wednesday.
Wrote SW on Comeback Trail
Robbie Patterson had high Classic hopes for Read About It last season before his rising young star’s progress was halted by illness.
MM Gold Coast Horses In Training Sale Links
Tuesday saw the final breeze ups at the Gold Coast for the Magic Millions Horses In Training Sale which starts on Thursday so here’s our links to useful data including the pinhook report, with most lots having been sold previously.
Dissident Colt Fastest at MM Breeze Up Session
A colt by former Australian Horse of the Year Dissident impressed at the first breeze-up session leading into next month's Magic Millions Gold Coast 2YOs in Training Sale.
2025 G1 Caulfield Guineas Field and Barrier Draw
A full field plus emergencies have accepted for the $3million Group I MRC Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on Saturday with Golden Rose runners Wodeton, Autumn Boy, Nepotism and Rivellino all engaged.