Unbeaten at Ellerslie

On one of the biggest premier days of racing in New Zealand, Te Akau trainer Jason Bridgman orchestrated a double whammy in his ploy to have Abidewithme (4 m Redoute's Choice - Crimson, by Zabeel) reign supreme in The New Zealand Herald Benchmark 85 1400 metres on Boxing Day at Ellerslie.

Bred and owned by Sir Patrick & Justine, Lady Hogan, Abidewithme had fronted fresh-up on Melbourne Cup Day to win the corresponding race at the same venue and Bridgman decided afterwards to give the mare a freshen-up for a Boxing Day assignment on the way to contesting the Anniversary Handicap (Listed, 1600m) on Jan. 18 at Trentham.

Shown to have acted very well when winning in a fresh state previously, Abidewithme took her place off 51-days. In addition to giving the mare a short break, the application of blinkers was the second key ingredient put in place by Bridgman. Having already won over a mile and bred to appreciate a touch further as she matures, the blinkers saw her travel a bit sharper over the 1400 metres and round off the race with plenty of vigour.

“She was a filly as a two and three-year-old that was very light fleshed and she had to be taken along quietly, and there was none better than Jason (Bridgman) to have done that,” said Sir Patrick. “It really is a credit to him for the patience he has put into the filly. He has not over-raced her, kept her fresh, and it is really is all down to Jason where she is today.

“It was a fantastic ride by Matt (Cameron). He let her settle, which was the intention, and he brought her home with a strong finish, so I couldn't be more pleased,” said Sir Patrick.

“She has shown to have above average ability, has already been a stakes winner [Coupland's Stakes (Listed, 1400m)], when Jason wanted to give her a trip away to Ashburton and I feel she could be a Group Two or Three winner. Group Ones are hard to win, but who knows?

“She's beautifully bred by Redoute's Choice (Danehill) from Crimson (Zabeel) and from a very, very good family, so she's got the pedigree as well as the potential,” said Sir Patrick.

Positioned four back on the inner before working off the rail at the 600 metres, Abidewithme was clear to challenge wide on the track at the 300m. She sprinted hard in a duel with the favourite, Chintz (Savabeel), to her outside, and showed grim determination in her run to line.

“She wants to do her own thing and has a great turn of foot,” said Cameron. They (Sir Patrick & Lady Hogan) do a lot for racing [sponsoring the Zabeel Classic (Gr. 1, 2000m) on the same programme], are great people and they have good horses. It's a privilege to have these colours on whether it's at the races, or trials, and it is great to ride winners for them."

Recording her fifth win from eight starts, Abidewithme clocked 1:24.44, the last 600m in 34.5, and increased her stakes earnings to $73,000.

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