Happy New Year Octagonal

As the new racing season kicks into gear, so to will the careers of the myriad of talented youngsters sired by champion racehorse Octagonal. To date, 20 horses have carried the Octagonal bloodline on to the track for a combined stakes earning of close to $600,000. With another 120 named progeny waiting in the wings, the next six months should see Octagonal begin to fulfill his expectations as one of Australasia's most successful and sought after sires. Lohnro, winner of two of his five starts to date including the Blue Diamond Prelude at Caulfield in February, resumed on Saturday in the Group Three Missile Stakes at Rosehill, finishing an impressive third in his first test in open company. Jockey Larry Cassidy settled Lonhro towards the rear of the field before the colt finished with a strong burst, failing narrowly to rundown the winner Sportsbrat. On this run and with added fitness, Lonhro looks set for an exciting spring campaign. Hosannah, with three wins from five starts including the Group Two Magic Night Stakes at Rosehill, is currently spelling after her opening preparation which saw her finish only two lengths from the winner Ha Ha in the Group One Golden Slipper. As with Lonhro, Hosannah seems on target for a successful and profitable preparation. The third of Octagonal's race winning progeny is Evander, who scored at Eagle Farm on May 19, before finishing third in the Group One T.J Smith at the same track in June, after having to cover extra ground when forced wide at the 600m mark. To recover and be beaten only a half-length, certainly indicates Evander's class and augurs well for the future. Omens, who was placed at Rosehill in January and who recently won a barrier trial at Warwick Farm, is engaged to run at Canterbury on Wednesday. While the filly was unplaced at her only start on heavy going, that being the Gosford Slipper in February, sheer natural ability would indicate that she has a strong chance to open her winning account. Omens' main danger appears to be topweight Moonflute, who was being aimed at the Golden Slipper earlier this year. Bright Eyed Boy will also be representing Octagonal at Canterbury. The gelding may need more time to develop, judging by his first-up 12th at Rosehill on July 18. His grand sire on the dam's side is Red Anchor, who won seven Group races including the Caulfield Guineas, Victoria Derby and the W.S. Cox Plate. Pentagram, will be making his racing debut on Wednesday at Eagle Farm. The colt has had the benefit of three barrier trials, including a recent 2nd at Eagle Farm. The race is not overly strong, but the main concern will be the fact that Pentagram has drawn wide in barrier 12 in the 15-horse field. Experienced jockey Scott Galloway will be aboard. Other youngsters sired by Octagonal to have graced the turf include: DEMANDING: Has been racing consistently in Western Australia, with three placings at Ascot PENTATHLON: Placed at Randwick and Canterbury. Finished a close-up 5th in Listed company at Eagle Farm in June. ORTHOPAEDIC: Placed at Kembla Grange in February. Has also been placed twice in barrier trials at Warwick Farm.