Addictive Habit Takes Out Listed Southbank Insurance Brokers Quality

Talented kiwi raider Addictive Habit has posted a maiden Australian victory on the Gold Coast this afternoon; completing an impressive final straight sprint to take out the Listed Southbank Insurance Brokers Quality (1800m).

Addictive Habit posted a maiden Australian win at the Gold Coast this afternoon. Photo: Daniel Costello

Addictive Habit posted a maiden Australian win at the Gold Coast this afternoon. Photo: Daniel Costello

Jumping from the gates well, jockey Michael Cahill settled Addictive Habit in prime position on the heels of early leaders Any Day Will Do, Tornado Miss and Grayson Square who flew the barriers and immediately strung-out the field of eleven.

Pressing forward slowly rounding the final bend, Cahill quickly wound the five-year-old up before locking in a fierce sprint battle with Made To Order; poking half a length clear upon reaching the post.

Cahill delivered a typically polished performance aboard Addictive Habit for success in the Southbank Insurance Brokers Quality and revealed he was confident the conditions of the race would suit the gelding after crossing the line.

“He likes to race not too far off the pace and had a run to suit today,” Cahill said.

“He’s been racing quite well but we haven’t seen the best of him until today. The Doomben Cup was a little bit rich for him and he just wasn’t himself at a mile at Doomben.

“He’s had a freshen-up since and it was great he was able to show what he can do here.

“The ground suited him, the draw suited him and he had quite a bit in his favour. He just had to bounce back to his best form, which he did.”

Trainer Lee Somervell made the trip from New Zealand to witness Addictive Habit’s run in the Southbank Insurance Brokers Handicap and was thrilled he was able to secure a black type win in Australia.

“He is a really lovely horse and has a wonderful personality,” Somervell said.

“He’s closely related to the great Rough Habit and I’m really pleased that Addictive Habit has shown that real winning habit we know he can do.

“He said to me the last start, Michael (Cahill), he said there’s something not quite right with this horse, he’s not letting down properly but I want to stick with him.

“Quite a few of the New Zealanders that were on the plane haven’t fired here and whether it was travel sickness or whatever, that’s why we left him here.

“Hopefully we can get a few more.”

Cahill is offered the chance to post further black type success when partnering Real Surreal in the Group 1 Tattersall’s Tiara (1400m) this afternoon.

About The Author

Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.