OTI’s Kiwi stayer one to follow?

[Wandering Eyes]

From last on the turn under riding, OTI Racing’s Kiwi import Skippers Canyon (NZ) (Belardo) has unleashed a wicked turn of foot to score with authority in his Australian debut at Sandown on Wednesday.

Most recently seen contesting the Group 2 Avondale Guineas, the now Phillip Stokes-trained gelding was ridden out to win a recent 1200-metre jumpout, but looked in need of further than Wednesday’s 1400-metre assignment.

But things set up as well as they could have when Betwitchery ($6) set a fierce tempo, although backers wouldn’t have been confident when Skippers Canyon ($11) was rearward and being scrubbed along by Daniel Stackhouse on the turn.

However, as the race changed complexion, the prospective stayer picked his way through the field and surged to the front, finishing too strongly for Stay Silent ($10) to record an impressive first-up win.

Sandown Race 5 | Skippers Canyon

What an impressive display by the former Kiwi who is now with the @pstokesracing stable Ch. 78/68, Foxtel 529, Kayo or via our app
REPLAYS: https://t.co/ZIa4a02wC0 pic.twitter.com/HivmHjhCSw

— Racing.com (@Racing) July 30, 2025

Stokes admitted that he wasn’t expecting such an impressive performance, especially given the relatively short trip and said he may have to ‘raise the bar’ regarding his expectations of the exciting Belardo gelding.

“We took all the gear off him, we just wanted to see him strong through the line,” he said.

“Not talking it up or anything (but) we feel he’s a 2000-metre horse, might be further and he showed a nice turn of foot today.

“We might’ve unearthed another one. Big to Terry (Henderson) and the OTI team, they seem to find these horses. We might have to raise the bar.”

Skippers Canyon was trained in New Zealand by Opaki-based trainer Jim Wallace and was bred under his Ardsley Stud banner.

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