Abduction is currently available at 2015 Coolmore Classic odds of $41, but trainer John O’Shea believes that the promising filly will produce a better performance than her price suggests in the Group 1 event at Rosehill Gardens tomorrow.
There has been a sprinkling of support for Abduction in 2015 Coolmore Classic betting markets. Photo by: Steve Hart
Abduction stamped herself as a horse to follow when she finished second in the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m) and fifth in the Group 1 Crown Oaks (2500m), but she could finish no better than 11th when she returned to racing in the Group 2 Surround Stakes (1400m) at Warwick Farm on February 28.
The Street Cry filly did not have a great deal of luck in running during the Surround Stakes and O’Shea told Racing Ahead that he is confident Abduction can finish a lot closer to First Seal in the 2015 Coolmore Classic this weekend.
“I think that she should have finished way closer,” O’Shea said.
“She is unbeaten second-up, unbeaten at Rosehill, she has 52 kilos and traditionally the Wakeful has been good form for the Coolmore.
“I think that she has good enough credentials to be in the money and give a good account of herself.
“I don’t think that she is entitled to be 50 to 1.”
Abduction has generally been positioned midfield in all eight of her race starts to date and O’Shea does not believe that jockey Sam Clipperton will do anything differently on the three-year-old in the Coolmore Classic, but he is hopeful that she will find clear running at the right time after she was blocked for a run at the 400 metre mark in the Surround Stakes.
“She will probably be just behind Amicus,” O’Shea said.
“Amicus was about a length in front of her at Warwick Farm and I would think that she will be in a similar positon this week.
Star three-year-old filly First Seal is currently available at 2015 Coolmore Classic odds of $1.85 with Ladbrokes and is a clear favourite from Peter Moody-trained Plucky Belle ($10), progressive mare Mahara ($13), Triscay Stakes winner Thump ($14), Gai Waterhouse-trained Adrift ($15), Queensland Oaks winner Tinto ($16), consistent mare Dear Demi ($18), Queen Of The Turf Stakes winner Diamond Drille ($18) and Group 1 placegetter Arabian Gold ($19).
Abduction will be O’Shea first runner in the Coolmore Classic since triple Group 1 winner Private Steer finished second as favourite behind Shamweka in the 2014 edition of the race.
