Sword of Osman Chases More Black Type

Group One winner Sword of Osman is being set to add another black-type victory to his stellar record after winning the Auckland Co-op Taxis 1200 at Ellerslie on Sunday.

The Jamie Richards-trained runner was sent forward early by jockey Opie Bosson to sit on the speed throughout and ran away in the straight to win by 1-1/4 lengths over the fast-finishing The Chosen One, with two lengths back to Satriani in third.

The Savabeel gelding will return to the Auckland track in a fortnight to contest the Gr.3 Mongolian Khan Trophy (1200m) on Karaka Million night.

“He was in the Hallmark (Listed, 1200m) on Boxing Day, but we decided to wait. Thankfully we made the right decision,” Richards said.

“He had an exhibition gallop at Matamata and it was a good confidence boosting win yesterday for him. He will go into the Mongolian Khan in two weeks' time in really good order.”