Maiden galloper Aberro will be stepping up sharply in grade when he runs in the Group 1 $500,000 Moet & Chandon Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Invader, above, heads the betting for the Champagne Stakes at Randwick. Photo by Steve Hart.
Aberro is one of fifteen two year olds nominated for the Champagne Stakes and is certain to start at long odds after finishing second at his only two race starts in much weaker company.
The Matt Laurie trained Aberro was runner up on debut in a 1200m Pakenham maiden on March 2 followed by a second in a 1500m two year old plate at Mornington on March 25.
Even though Aberro is yet to win a race, Laurie is keen to test him in the top grade and is not frightened to throw him into the deep end.
“It’s usually a small field and worth a lot of money,” Laurie said.
“Our horse has come through his only two runs really well and I think the mile looks like it would really suit him.
“I’m happy to put him in it and see where we stand but also acknowledge he’s going to be a lot better next time around.
“I don’t think we’ve got anything to lose.”
Laurie took the All Too Hard colt to Canberra to barrier trial to gain some experience at the Sydney way of racing and won the 900m hit out comfortably.
“I would have liked there to have been some more experienced horses in there to give him a chance to settle a little bit and finish off,” Laurie said.
“He was up against horses who hadn’t had the experience that he’s had and he ended up controlling it, but it was just a nice, soft trial.”
A dream result in the Champagne Stakes will certainly help Aberro forge out a future stud career but if he fails to make an impact at the top level, Laurie will be recommending a visit to the surgeon for a gelding operation.
“Given he’s related to two Group winners, obviously we’ll give him an opportunity as a colt to put his hand up,” Laurie said.
“If he’s not able to do that, he’ll be gelded.
“But if he was to win a Group 1, he’s certainly got a good enough pedigree to stand somewhere for sure.”
Aberro has been listed as a $19 chance for the Champagne Stakes at Ladbrokes.com.au and will be facing some tough opposition with last start Group 1 Inglis Sires’ winner Invader heading the market order at $2.40 ahead of Golden Slipper runner up Frolic at $4.
Early betting for the Champagne Stakes at Ladbrokes.com.au: $2.40 Invader, $4 Frolic, $6 Whispered Secret, $10 The Mission, $12 Eshtiraak, $16 One More Honey, $17 Ace High, $19 Aberro, $26 Reflectivity, $34 Paseeto, $41 Momento, $61 Bidwee, Go Daddy Go, Nashville Skyline, $201 Valiant Spirit.
