Abounding shows her class in Tattersall’s Classic
It might have been a late November victory but Rob Heathcote is a believer that Abounding is a proper Sydney autumn and Queensland winter carnival horse after her return victory at Doomben on Wednesday.
The now four-year-old may not have hit the winners’ list last May and June but Heathcote says she has come back even better than her last summer campaign which culminated in winning the $3 million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m) at Gold Coast in January.
Steered masterfully by jockey Martin Harley from barrier 10 to take out the Listed Tattersall’s Classic (1200m), Abounding ($5.50) notched her fifth career win in 17 starts along with eight minor placings.
It is the Gold Coast this January again where Heathcote will point the daughter of Rich Enuff in search replicating her success as fillies and mares features await.
“We were a little surprised when the markets went up around $12 and $14,” Heathcote said.
“Finishing two-lengths behind Bella Nipotina and then she went on to win The Everest, we thought at home that she has come back better.”
“Two-year-olds have to improve three lengths while three-year-old to four-year-olds have to improve again to be genuine contenders.”
A $75,000 purchase at the 2022 Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Abounding’s prizemoney has now hit $2.3 milllion.
“The barrier was tricky but they can show that ride at the apprentice school – it was ten-out-of-ten,” he added.
“We’re gearing towards the Magic Millions but she’s definitely an excitement machine, she’s great to look at and she can be up to the level required.”
According to Racing and Sports ratings, Abounding rated 110 in her effort behind Bella Nipotina in the Group 1 Tattersall’s Tiara (1400m) in June, and has rated at least 100 in all but two of her last eight outings.
The upward trajectory sees the mare also become a Doomben track and distance specialist two wins and two placings in four starts over the 1200-metres.
Abounding beat home the Matt Hoysted-trained pair Appin Girl ($8.50) and Party For Two ($5) with race favourite Bubba’s Bay ($2.80) in fourth.
More Racing News
Spring ambitions kick-off at Sandown for Zambardo
The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr stable holds considerable expectations for Zambardo, while also conceding the horse must reach new heights.With nominations for both the Cox Plate and Caulfield Cup, Zambardo commences his campaign in the So You Think Stakes (1500m) at Sandown on Saturday.Zambardo is a lightly raced...
El Castello's Tramway Stakes bid begins with a clean slate
John Thompson expresses satisfaction in commencing El Castello's latest racing campaign with a fresh perspective, maintaining a quiet confidence that the Group 1 victor still possesses untapped talent.The path for the connections of the five-year-old has presented considerable challenges. He distinguished himself as a standout performer of his era by...
Amenable looks to end winless streak in Chautauqua Stakes
Amenable is aiming to break a considerable drought without a win as he makes his debut for Grahame Begg at Sandown.The gelding, previously trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, is set to compete in the Group 3 Chautauqua Stakes over 1300 metres on Saturday, having been sidelined for...
Geegees Mistruth readies for Group 1 Moir Stakes challenge
The Mark Walker stable is looking forward to the Moir Stakes at Sandown, with Geegees Mistruth set to make her mark.This 1000-metre Group 1 event is being staged at Sandown this year due to ongoing track renovations and a reconfiguration at Moonee Valley.A competitive field of 13 runners is slated...
Pembrey set to back-up strong Silver Shadow Stakes run in Furious Stakes
Leading Brisbane conditioner Tony Gollan is aiming for Pembrey to replicate her dazzling Silver Shadow Stakes performance when she contests the subsequent event of the four-race Princess Series at Randwick.The three-year-old filly was commanding when leading all the way a fortnight ago. However, with formidable opponents such as the $5.6...
Obucci targets Adelaide success on firmer ground
The Phillip and Tommy Stokes stable has relocated Obucci to Adelaide with the objective of securing another city win.Obucci is slated to participate in the Adelaide Galvanising Industries Handicap (1250m) at Morphettville Parks this coming Saturday, with Noel Callow assigned as the rider.Phillip Stokes explained that Obucci was transferred from...
Trainer Matthew Smith confident Headwall is ready for Concorde Stakes
It's not every day a horse aims for consecutive victories in the same race when starting anew, but Headwall is in that exact scenario as he prepares to kick off his campaign in the Concorde Stakes at Randwick.Having delivered a stunning performance to win the $1 million sprint a year...
Oh Diamond Lil poised for Mona Lisa Stakes return, says King
Despite her quirky nature, stakes winner Oh Diamond Lil is considered by jockey Rachel King to be in the correct frame of mind for a return to top form in the Mona Lisa Stakes at Wyong. King partnered the David Pfieffer-trained mare for her most significant triumph in the Group...
Grander ambitions for Walker's Sandown victor
Tolaga Bay is slated for a Black Type assignment after an impressive winning return at Sandown, continuing her undefeated streak.The Mark Walker-trained filly, by Alabama Express, triumphed in the Sportsbet Blackbook Handicap over 1300 metres on Wednesday.Potential targets for the filly include the Group 2 Thousand Guineas Prelude (1400m) at...
Sing Your Song on track for Flight Stakes after Warwick Farm win
Chris Waller has the Group 1 Flight Stakes on his radar for the well-bred filly Sing Your Song, following her stylish victory in a race that has proven to be a significant spring carnival launching pad.The trainer, usually hesitant to start horses from wide draws, explained that his decision to...