Abitofawin for happy group of owners

Tough gelding Abitofado recorded a gutsy win at Sandown on Wednesday, taking out the Snitzel At Arrowfield Handicap over 1700m.

Having only his third run back from a spell, the four-year-old was always travelling nicely - so well in fact that jockey Dean Holland was forced to make his run a fair way out.

"The plan was to lead," he explained, "but he wanted to over-race a bit so I sat behind the leaders. I had to go early though - he was just going that well!"

Holding off all challenges, Abitofado dug deep to record the fifth win of his consistent 24 start career.

Beginning his career in the stables of Paul Harris in New Zealand - Abitofado was regarded highly enough to contest the big three-year-old races - and it was during his preparation for those that he stayed at the Moroney stables (Harris hosting our horses when they travel south).

At this time the previous owner decided to sell and a group of Michael's clients - long time friends who have been racing horses together for several years - got together to buy shares. Paul Harris stayed in the ownership and they have been having fun ever since, Abitofado out of the first five only twice in 13 Australian runs.

A Moonee Valley winner in February, Abitofado has come up very well this time in although he still doesn't look great in the coat - making Michael confident that there is better still to come.

A bargain buy spotted by Paul Moroney at the NZ Bloodstock South Island Sale, Abitofado cost just NZ$6000.

His colours of maroon, white and lime have history behind them - being the original silks owned by the late Alan Hely - part owner of the champion Red Anchor.

Hely, a friend of Abitofado's owners, was proud that his colours had been worn to victory on every metropolitan track in Australia and now the success continues!

For those who had a bit of a win on Abitofado, pay a visit to the Strathmore Butcher (Lloyd St) and treat yourself to a hearty steak - owner Matthew Fraser is one of the happy part owners and he will be displaying the photo of the Sandown win in the store!