Last seen contesting the Group I MRC Blue Diamond Stakes, newly gelded three year-old Olatunde bolted in at Ballarat on Monday continuing the fast start to the new season for his sire Farnan.
Previously trained by Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman, Olatunde was held in high regard by that stable and contested the Blue Diamond series running in the Preview, Prelude and then the Blue Diamond itself.
Although unplaced in all three races, he did enough to warrant respect when resuming for a spell for new trainer Tim Fitzsimmons in an 1100m maiden.
Olatunde delivered on potential this time when chiming in at the furlong for Damian Lane and then extending right away to win by nearly four lengths.
Olatunde looks like a progressive horse for former champion Singapore trainer Tim Fitzsimmons, who has relocated back to Australia following the closure of racing in Singapore and established a training base at Bendigo.
A $300,000 Magic Millions purchase from Kenmore Lodge for Moody Racing, Olatunde was bred by Turangga Farm and is the fourth winner from six foals to race from Enide (GB), a winning half-sister by Shamardal to Group I winner Empoli and to the dam of Group III winner Beauvatier.
Enide had a colt sell at Inglis Easter this year for $100,000 to Ellerslie Lodge / B Heys and she has another filly to follow by him and is due to foal to the Golden Slipper winner again this spring.
Olatunde is the third winner from four starters this season for Farnan and his other runner Party Boss was second at Wagga today.
Farnan stands at Kia Ora Stud at a fee of $77,000.
