Abitofado salutes at Sandown
Talented gelding Abitofado enhanced his outstanding third up record with a gutsy victory at Sandown on Wednesday.
One of the more fancied runners in the Betfair Handicap, the consistent five-year-old – fitter for two very good runs back from a spell – appreciated the step up to 1800m.
Always travelling well just behind the pace, Abitofado made his run from the 100m – hooking to the outside of the leaders and wearing them down to win by a long neck.
In three Australian preparations the former New Zealander has been in winning form third up and once in form he holds it – so look out for him again next time out!
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.
A bargain buy spotted by Paul Moroney at the NZ Bloodstock South Island Sale, Abitofado cost just NZ$6000. He has now won over $125,000.
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 proudly displays his trophies in the front window.