Abadabado does the business again

Abadabado (Superfast Stuart) is in the form of her life for Gore harness racing trainer Shane Matheson.

After being used to educate young horses she indicated to her trainer that she was ready to go back to the races.

“We were putting her in front of all our young ones and we thought she was getting better and better so we took her to the workouts, and we just kept on going,” Matheson said.

He added that the role has made Abadabado more competitive.

“Every time she went out with one or two they would have to try and get past her but never could. She’s also got a bit older and she’s really happy.”

Today driver Blair Orange settled Abadabado three back on the inside with Dwindle Star leading. At the 800 he moved her off the fence with precision and placed her in the one one. Just before the turn Orange eased her out three wide and she let down nicely to beat Dwindle Star by three quarters of a length. It was the mare’s third win in six starts and her sixth career win in twenty six starts.

ABADABADO REPLAY

“We were hoping to get her down in the grade and get her to run in the money at Christmas time, so everything she’s done is way ahead of what we thought. It’s a total surprise.”

Matheson says a start at the Forbury Park meeting at Wingatui is the seven year old mare’s next target.

“Because she’s so well gaited, grass could be her go. There’s a 2200 metre stand at Wingatui. I know the good ones are behind her but I think she’ll be competitive. But we’ll find out.”

The horse is owned by members of the Matheson family.

“We did that to get people to come to the races and they all have. It’s our son and daughters’ first horse. One thing I would say is every time Lisa’s (Lisa Barrie – Matheson’s partner) Mum and her partner have come to see her she hasn’t gone that great. They didn’t come today so they’re banned from the racecourse (laughter).”

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink