Sword Of Osman (NZ) Heads Karaka Trifecta in Group 2 Sarten

Sword Of Osman (NZ) (Savabeel) collected his third stakes win with a relentless front-running performance in Monday’s $100,000 Group 2 James & Annie Sarten Memorial Stakes (1400m) at Te Rapa, heading an all-Karaka finish to the three-year-old feature.

Bought for $165,000 at the 2017 Premier Sale by Te Akau principal David Ellis, Sword Of Osman emerged as one of the best of his generation with explosive victories in last season’s Group 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) and Group 3 Reid & Harrison Slipper (1200m).

Ridden on Monday by Opie Bosson, Sword Of Osman led all the way and fought off the determined home-straight challenge of $27,500 Select Sale purchase Qiji Express (NZ) (Shamexpress). In an exciting head-bobbing finish, Sword Of Osman prevailed by a nose.

Last-start Group 2 winner Madison County (NZ) (Pins), who cost $36,000 at the Select Sale, charged home down the outside to run third. Blue On Black (Camelot), a $90,000 weanling purchase, was fourth.

“He relaxed beautifully today,” Bosson said. “He got a nice soft lead, then quickened up really well.

“I’m rapt with how the horse has turned the corner since his last run. He’s relaxing better in his work, looking better in his coat and on the way up. I liked the way he went right to the line, and I’m looking forward to the Guineas (Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas at Riccarton on November 10).”

Bred by Joan Egan and raced by the Te Akau Great Sword Syndicate, Sword Of Osman has now had eight starts for four wins and $256,250 in prize-money.

“He took a while to come out of the winter, but I’m really pleased he’s done it for a terrific group of owners,” trainer Jamie Richards said.