Azazel Delivers Trans Tasman Winning Day

Ready To Run Sales graduate, Azazel (3 g Shocking – Alagant Angel, by Tavistock) debuted with victory in the $42,500 Highland Joinery Maiden 1600 metres on 11 September at Seymour (Victoria).

Bought by Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM in conjunction with OTI Racing & Bloodstock for $140,000 at the 2024 Ready To Run Sale at Karaka, from the draft of Riverrock Farm, Azazel looked good at a gallop when breezing up last October at Te Rapa, and prior to racing he went clear when winning a 1400-metre jump out on 1 September at Cranbourne.

OTI Racing & Bloodstock, established by CEO Terry Henderson, has recorded over 155 wins at Group & Listed level and had 60 wins worldwide last year.

Ridden by Kiwi Michael Dee, Azazel was trapped wide in the early stages when pressing forward from barrier 10, landed outside the leader at the 1000m as the tempo steadied, and displayed plenty of grit and determination to score narrowly in a competitive finish.

On Soft6 footing, Azazel ran 1600 metres in 1:40.2 and paid $6.10 & $1.70 on the NZ TAB tote.

“It was great to see him win on debut over a mile, today,” said Mark Walker, who trains the Te Akau team at Cranbourne.

“It’s never easy to win over that trip first-up, and he was clearly headed and fought back solidly, and great to get a win on board with the OTI team, after our first runner finished third.

“We’re going to plot a path for Azazel towards the VRC Derby (Gr. 1, 2500m) and just see if he’s strong and mature enough to handle the preparation.

“It was a no panic ride by Mick (Dee), off the awkward gate, and also a good reward for every one at the stables, who are working hard, to get their second win this month.

“The horses are just starting to come to hand now, fitness-wise, and starting to turn in their coats.”

By Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) and Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) winner and proven sire Shocking (Street Cry), Azazel is the first foal from the Tavistock (Montjeu) mare, in turn out of impressive Group winning miler Alagant Satin (Al Akbar).

Azazel is from the family of Te Akau trained Wild Night (Vanbrugh), who won five in a row as a three-year-old, including the Group 2 Sarten Memorial (1400m) and Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m). He recorded consecutive wins fresh-up last season, and resumes in the $50,000 Open Handicap 1200 metres this Sunday (14 Sept.) at Te Rapa.

At the time of purchasing Azazel, Ellis said: “He breezed up well, a nice horse that walks well, and has a lovely staying type pedigree.

“We’ve bought and trained quite a few good horses from this family and Wild Night would be among the best of them.”

Azazel was strapped by Hayden McInnes. 

Photo credit - Azazel RTR Sale