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Hawkesbury Filly Has Black Type Potential

3 minute read

Talented Hawkesbury filly Akari may get another chance to earn black type following a splendid performance to shed her maiden status at Wyong.

Brad Widdup
Brad Widdup Picture: Racing and Sports

An outside draw, a wide run and 59kg topweight all could have conspired to deny her a breakthrough in Thursday's 1200m maiden.

Ridden by Nash Rawiller, Akari showed a brilliant turn of foot over the last 100m to snatch victory on the post.

Trainer Brad Widdup, clinching his sixth success of the season and relieved his filly had won her first race, later indicated there was a possibility he could take her back to town for the Listed Reginald Allen Quality (1400m) against her own sex at Randwick on Saturday week.

"It's an option provided she pulls up well," he said.

"I had no alternative but to roll the dice and take her to Wyong otherwise we would be getting further behind with her.

"She did a terrific job given the circumstances."

Akari is a beautifully bred three-year-old daughter of champion sire Snitzel and a Japanese mare (Asterix) – and it was no surprise she made $1,050,000 at last year's Inglis Australian Easter yearling sale.

Widdup has not pushed her. She was having only her fourth start at Wyong and Widdup is confident Akari will get a chance to really shine once she gets a decent run in a race.

"She has hardly had a chance to switch off yet, and definitely has got some quality."

Widdup may also kick off a new campaign with smart four-year-old Sandbar at The Everest meeting at Randwick on Saturday week, intending to nominate him for the $500,000 Group 3 Sydney Stakes (1200m).

"He has come back in good order, has had two recent trials and is ready to go to the races," he said.

"Long term, our mission with him is the Magic Millions meeting at the Gold Coast in January in either the 1200m Sprint or 1400m Cup.

"He could go to the new race at Newcastle (the $1m The Hunter, 1300m) next month en route to the Gold Coast."


Racing and Sports

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