Tom Dabernig experienced a career highlight as Shadhavar clinched the CF Orr Stakes, his first Group One victory trained solo.
The race, held at Sandown and serving as the final Group One of the Victorian Spring for the second year, saw Shadhavar continue her outstanding form to overcome a field of five, all of whom were Group One winners.
Sent off at $7 odds with Kerrin McEvoy in the saddle, Shadhavar tracked Beiwacht before taking the lead in the straight and holding off a late challenge from Pericles ($3.70) by three-quarters of a length. The $3.40 favourite, Jimmysstar, finished a further two-and-a-quarter lengths back in third.
Having previously trained in partnership at Lindsay Park, Dabernig established his own stable in Warrnambool in 2021. Shadhavar’s victory marked his first individual Group One win from eight attempts as a solo trainer.
“It gives everyone a big thrill,” Dabernig shared.
“She’s a classic example of a horse we had since a yearling, and she’s been able to develop and get to group one level.
“I think that when we got her to 1400 (metres) is when she really went to another level, and her three runs at this distance, she’s now undefeated.
“When this Group One was on our doorstep, I said we’re mad not to have a try because when these mares get in form like this, the purple patch that we talk of, you really have to take advantage of it.”
An interesting subplot to the C F Orr Stakes involved Shadhavar’s regular rider, Craig Williams, being aboard the runner-up Pericles. Williams had a prior commitment to the Bjorn Baker-trained gelding before Shadhavar’s win in the Group 3 Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day.
This circumstance allowed Kerrin McEvoy to take the ride, securing his first Group One win in Melbourne since guiding Cross Counter to victory in the 2018 Melbourne Cup.
“I’ve known Tom since I was an apprentice back in our Lindsay Park days,” McEvoy stated.
“I haven’t ridden for Tom since he’s gone out on his own, so it’s really pleasing to get this win for him.”
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