Shadhavar set for tough CF Orr Stakes test

Trainer Tom Dabernig is realistic about the challenge Shadhavar faces in the CF Orr Stakes but believes her recent form warrants a crack at the Group 1.

The five-year-old mare, by Pride Of Dubai, will be making her top-flight debut over the 1400 metres at Sandown in the $1 million feature this coming Saturday.

Shadhavar dispelled any lingering questions about her effectiveness at 1400 metres with decisive wins at Group level over the distance in her last two starts, which prompted Dabernig to enter her for the Orr Stakes.

"It's throwing her in the deep end, but she's been excellent at the 1400 at her last couple of starts, so we'll give it a go while she's fit and in form," he commented.

Shadhavar cruised to a 2-3/4 length win in the Group 2 Tristarc Stakes over 1400 metres on October 17, although that day's racing favoured horses dictating terms from the front.

However, her subsequent effortless 4-1/4-length victory in the Group 3 Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes on Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington, was a performance that could not be attributed to track bias.

That performance improved her 1400-metre record to three wins and a second place, behind the talented mare Surfin' Bird, from five attempts.

The Orr Stakes will bring Shadhavar up against established Group 1 performers like Angel Capital, Jimmysstar, and Beiwacht, who employs a similar tactical approach. Nevertheless, Dabernig anticipates she will provide a stern test.

"She was impressive at Caulfield, but they were all talking about the on-pace bias, so I wasn't sure if she could come to Flemington and lead and do it," Dabernig explained.

"She's always been a very good mare that we've kept a lot of the time at 1200.

"She's won three now at 1400 and I think her cruising speed is what her asset is.

"She seems to be able to maintain it and get the horses under pressure behind her, but I don't know at weight-for-age against those horses whether it'll be quite the same."

While Craig Williams guided Shadhavar to her past two wins, he is committed to Pericles for the Orr Stakes, with Kerrin McEvoy booked to ride from barrier two at Sandown.

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