Our Abbadean Delightful - Win 75 for Te Akau NZ

Our Abbadean (3 f Lookin At Lucky - Highland Lights, by Fantastic Light) made it two wins on end, the latest win on 15 April at Dargaville.

It came as no surprise that Our Abbadean was able to emulate her fresh up performance in the Maiden 1200 metres at Matamata, when stepping up in both grade and distance for the Dargaville Ford Rating 65 1400 metres.

Initially earmarked to race next Wednesday at Te Aroha, she was a late nomination after only four horses entered and beat six rivals in the final analysis.

“Although not always our plan to come here, I spoke to the owners and they were happy to have a look,” said co-trainer Jamie Richards.

“She had worked strongly on Tuesday, and with the prospect of some rain over the weekend we were pleased to see her on a good track."

Bred and owned by the Hawkins' family at Wentwood Grange, Our Abbadean had sustained a big run from off the pace to win easily at Matamata, in a smart time of 1:10.6, and presented in very bright condition.

Prior to her resuming win, she had finished behind Derby placer Raghu (Showcasing) when last presented in November and also contested races won by Capella (Rip Van Winkle) and stable mates Xtravagant (Pentire) and Tatters (Tavistock),

“She spelled very well at Wentwood Grange, strengthened in the break and looks like a progressive filly,” said Richards.

It was the 75^th win this season for the training partnership of Stephen Autridge & Jamie Richards, who hold a buffer of six at the top of the premiership.

Our Abbadean was ridden by Danielle Johnson, who settled the filly rearward, but effectively three back on the outer, and once balanced in the straight she quickened clear to win with plenty of authority.  Once again she ran time, clocking 1:22.1 (last 600m in 35) for the 1400 metres and as second favourite returned $4.80 & $2.60.

“She was too good,” said Johnson. “I got out when I wanted to and she put paid to them pretty quickly."

Johnson was continuing a good association in the Wentwood colours, having partnered Valley Girl (Mastercraftsman) to victory on Karaka Million night and finishing a close fifth in the NZ Derby (Gr. 1, 2400m).

Coolmore stallion Lookin at Lucky (Smart Strike) made a great start to the programme when siring the first two winners, with Lucky Heights taking out the second event.

Our Abbadean was strapped by stable foreman Steve O'Neill, who said: “She won very well in her first race this preparation and although a bit hard to get a line on that form - not knowing how strong it was - she has really gone on with it."
Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz