With a new partner in tow, Otto says it will also make it easier for him to refocus his attention across the Tasman, a key factor if he is to retain clients and his best horses in the current domestic climate.
The first of those leading lights, Melbourne Cup hopeful Sierra Nevada left for Melbourne this week, along with a travelling pal, promising maiden 3-year-old Bashan, who ran fourth on debut at Hastings last month.
Sierra Nevada came out of nowhere to run third in the Avondale Guineas in just his fifth start before following up with a brave fifth in the New Zealand Derby.
The High Chaparral gelding has been in the wings ever since and has thrived with the long lay-off, says Otto.
"It could be a year too soon for him at that level but he looks fantastic and has been working good," said Otto.
"If he doesn't make it to the Cup there are plenty of nice country races for him to pick up; he's a hell of a lot better horse than he was at 3."
Otto was hoping to kick off his campaign at Moonee Valley this Saturday but heavy nominations of higher-rated rivals may delay the first appearance of the two-race winner.
When Sierra Nevada does run, Otto says he'll probably need at least a couple of tune-ups before showing form over 1600m and beyond.
He also warns punters against unloading on Whoshe today, although he does rate the lightly-tried grey his best win hope from his handful of runners.
The filly, who races in blinkers for the first time, has much bigger assignments ahead and isn't that well off at the weights compared with her older rivals.
Otto said the Graeme and Mark Sanders-trained Te Toro Lass is the one to beat in the R80 1400m feature with 4kg claimer Alex Forbes aboard.
He said debutante Just Gordon (race two) should run a competitive race after a couple of recent trial placings, but there is still plenty of room for improvement in the Le Bec Fin gelding.
Omolly (race eight) is probably the best of the others with James McDonald aboard in her first outing since finishing seventh in a strong 2-year-old event last October.
"We took her to the races last year without a trial and she's been out ever since," said Otto.
"We're expecting a tidy run; I'm not saying a winning run but she shouldn't be far away. She's quite a nice filly."
Against a moderate lot, the O'Reilly 3-year-old looks a multiple-must in leg six of the $40,000 Pick6.
Otto said yesterday that his only other two entries, Cliff (race seven) and Ellatain (race eight) were doubtful starters on a heavy track. Yesterday, Waipa was rated a heavy (10).
