Abounding eyes Tattersall's Tiara after Stradbroke disappointment
Presenting a striking appearance, Abounding looked in prime condition when paraded at Robert Heathcote's stable prior to the Stradbroke Handicap. However, the Group 1 race was not her target, with the Tattersall's Tiara (1400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday now the focus for the five-year-old mare. This event provides Abounding the opportunity to surpass her second-place finish from 2025.
"She's always been a good type and she's healthy and she's happy," Heathcote commented. "She's eaten well and she's working well. We'd aimed for this even when I took her down to Sydney in March, we just wanted to put a fitness run into her and to freshen her up for the carnival."
Abounding's run in Queensland's premier race, won by Spicy Martini over 1400m on June 13, saw her finish 14th. However, she was only six lengths adrift of the winner, and the heavy track conditions were a mitigating factor.
"The Stradbroke was a speed bump on an unsuitable track for her but I think she ran ok. She's done well and we haven't done much with her since that run as that would have topped her off fitness wise."
"I just hope we get a track that is not too wet. I think it is a mistake that a lot of people make with Eagle Farm track in that when it gets wet it shouldn't be graded soft five or six, or heavy eight or nine. It should be the amount of shiftiness because it gets so shifty. Either a horse can handle that or they can't. If we get a Good 4 for or a Soft 5, I think she can go one better than last year."
Her victory in the BRC Sprint on May 23 made Abounding the first mare to claim the prize since Red Tracer in 2010. She will be partnered again by Tim Clark, who rode her to that success, for the Tiara where she is listed as a $7 chance in the pre-nomination markets.
"Tim knows his stuff and they just get the job done, those top Sydney boys," Heathcote remarked.
She's Got Pizzazz, initially the $4 favourite, will not participate after nominations closed Monday. Grahame Begg's Splash Back currently leads the market at $4.40.
Find the best online bookmakers for the Tattersall's Tiara and get involved in the betting markets.
More Racing News
Birdman claims Champions Stakes over Cosmic Crusader
Birdman has asserted his championship credentials by reversing the Cox Plate placings with his frequent spring adversary, Cosmic Crusader, at Flemington on Saturday.The $3 million Champions Stakes saw the Chris Waller-trained Birdman cross the line ahead of Cosmic Crusader, who had previously won the Cox Plate, in the 2000-metre Group...
Lazzura powers to victory in the Group 2 Hot Danish Stakes
Lazzura concluded a stellar spring preparation at Rosehill Gardens this afternoon, securing the Group 2 $500,000 Hot Danish Stakes over 1400 metres with a determined effort.The Chris Waller stable, represented by Darren Beadman due to Waller's presence at Flemington, acknowledged the mare's tough win. "It wasn't a gimme," Beadman stated.Sent...
Point Barrow causes upset in Champions Sprint
A four-year-old mare with a blistering turn of foot emerged victorious in Saturday's Champions Sprint at Flemington, proving to be the surprise package of the race.Point Barrow secured a significant Group 1 victory in the $3 million 1200-metre contest, which featured Tempted, a mare who had only three weeks prior...
Autumn Glow's Flemington triumph showcases champion qualities
While the victory in the Champions Mile at Flemington was perhaps harder fought than her prohibitive odds indicated, Autumn Glow firmly established her regal class.Facing her for the first time away from Sydney and at this renowned track, any potential disruption caused by the change of scenery was definitively put...
Golden Gift victory for Act Up after thrilling Rosehill contest
Act Up has delivered a notable two-state juvenile double for Lindsay Park, ultimately prevailing over fellow Victorian-trained colt Silent Intent in the prestigious $1 million Golden Gift at Rosehill.This significant win not only secures Act Up a coveted spot in the upcoming Golden Slipper field thanks to its substantial prizemoney...
Savvy Spy's winning form continues with Ranvet Handicap victory
The promising gelding Savvy Spy demonstrated a remarkable surge of closing speed to pull away from his competitors in the Ranvet Handicap, a 2400-metre contest.However, just as jockey Tim Clark was guiding the emerging four-year-old back towards the mounting yard, the horse suddenly executed a sideways movement that caught the...
Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner Pinhole eyes Melbourne Cup after strong showing
Pinhole, who narrowly missed a start in the Melbourne Cup by a single position, has now put himself in contention for the prestigious race after a commanding performance in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, marking him as a stayer with significant future potential in Australian racing.The gelding was 25th in the...
Sabaj set for another Carnival challenge at Flemington
Sabaj is set for a vastly different race when he contests his second start of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained runner impressed earlier in the week with a Listed race victory over 1800 metres at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day.On Saturday, Sabaj returns to the...
Tom Kitten poised for improvement with gear switch
At the mile distance, a majority of trainers concede that defeating Autumn Glow at Flemington on Saturday is a formidable task, a sentiment shared by Sam Freedman. Nevertheless, Tom Kitten might emerge as the improver to contend with her.A change in equipment, reverting to a setup that has previously yielded...
Adelaide beckons for Shepherdson's duo amid Melbourne weather concerns
Michael Shepherdson, a Geelong-based trainer, has opted to send a pair of horses to Adelaide for racing at Morphettville Parks due to the unpredictable Melbourne weather.His runners, My Zephyr and Real Heir, are slated to compete on Saturday. My Zephyr is entered for the Mimi's Fast Fillies Handicap (1250m), while...