In-form mare Abidewithme has served notice that
she could yet sign off her career with a perfect result.
The well-bred seven-year-old is in foal to Tavistock and the style of her Group
Two victory in Saturday's Preston Rowe Paterson Tauranga Stakes strongly
suggested that she can win at the highest level.
"That was really pleasing and hopefully we will be able to get a Group One with
her," said Jamie Richards, who trains in partnership with Stephen Autridge.
Raced by her breeders Sir Patrick and Lady Hogan, the Redoute's Choice mare
will have three upcoming opportunities to complete her CV. She has two previous
Group One placings to her credit, both in the NZ Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes.
"She'll go to the Captain Cook Stakes next and then on to the Zabeel Classic on
Boxing Day," Richards said.
"Sir Patrick has worked it out and the Herbie Dyke will be her last race before
she goes to the breeding paddock."
Abidewithme settled at the tail of the field under Michael McNab before she
produced a sizzling finish at Tauranga to beat El Pescado and Julinsky Prince.
"She's the biggest and strongest she's ever been and obviously she's in really
good form," Richards said.
"Back to weight-for-age helped her today, but we weren't that confident with
hardly anything coming from the back so she's done a great job." – NZ
Racing Desk.