News

Abbey Marie’s An Undefeated Oaks Winner

7th May 2016

In a rare feat, Abbey Marie rewarded her trainer Mick Kent’s confidence in a superb performance, going one better than her sister Absolutely to claim the $400,000 Group 1 SAJC Oaks over 2000m. The third start for the filly highlighted a great day for Inglis graduates around the country.

Kent, who also trained Absolutely to win the ATC Oaks in 2011, knew he was on to another good thing after the filly won her first two starts, saying before the race “She’s bred to handle the 2000m trip, so we’ve decided to give her a chance.”

Abbey Marie (Redoute’s Choice x Catshaan) sat calmly in the middle of the capacity 16 horse field until the 300m mark, where jockey Luke Nolen urged her forward and she powered to the line, becoming the 29th individual Group 1 winner for her sire.

"She’s a bit more brilliant than Absolutely, genetically they are set to run these trips and no amount of training can change that,” said Kent.

"She’s straight to the paddock and we will bring her back for the spring, the Myer Classic will be the race for her,” Kent said.

Both Absolutely and Abbey Marie were purchased from the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale by international bloodstock agent Dermot Farrington, with the latter being purchased for $300,000 from the Arrowfield Stud draft in 2014.

Their yearling three-quarter-brother by Manhattan Rain was purchased by Gai Waterhouse for $150,000 from the Rosemont Stud draft at Easter last month, the same sale where Redoute’s Choice’s yearlings averaged $573,250.

Having earned her purchase price back from just three starts, Abbey Marie’s ownership consists of Grandlodge Racing Pty Ltd, Ken Bee Sports (Aust) Pty Ltd, Hotel California, Mr J B O'rourke, Mr E Campbell and her trainer.

The Group 1 win highlighted a brilliant day for Kent, whose Inglis Premier graduate Supido (Sebring x Lady Succed) strode to his sixth consecutive win, taking out the fifth race on the card at Flemington over 1100m. Supido is just a fortnight away from his own Group 1 contest, with Kent confirming he will aim him for the Goodwood Handicap at Morphettville. Supido was a $190,000 purchase for his trainer from the Three Bridges Thoroughbreds draft at the 2013 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.

Earlier in the day another son of Sebring stepped up with Coolring (Sebring x Coolroom Candidate) claiming a black-type win in the Listed GCTC Prime Minister’s Cup over 1400m. Coolring was reserved at $100,000 at the 2012 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale when offered by Meredith Park, and has now won in excess of $450,000 for trainer Bjorn Baker and connections.

The next opportunity to secure an Inglis Yearling will be next Sunday 15 May, where 206 Lots will be offered at the HTBA Scone Yearling Sale at White Park, following the Scone Race Club’s two-day carnival next Friday 13 and stand-alone Saturday 14 May.