Absalon stamped himself a star on the rise when he flew home to win this afternoon’s listed Dalrello Stakes (1200m) at Doomben.
Sent out a $13 chance with bookmakers after a maiden win at his home track of the Sunshine Coast on May 22, Absalon came from well back in the field to win in the final stride.
A graduate of last year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Absalon has always shown his connections plenty of ability according to trainer Jason McLachlan.
“After (winning at) Caloundra people thought I was off my head when I said he was a group horse,” McLachlan said from the winner’s stall.
“He’s a really good horse. Not many can step up from a maiden to listed grade at their next run and win,” he added.
Absalon is raced by leading breeder and businessman Gerry Harvey – being a product of his Baramul Stud in the Hunter Valley.
He is by Vinery’s popular colonial sire Mossman and was retained by Harvey after he failed to reach his modest $45,000 reserve price at the Gold Coast last year.
“Claire Bird (Harvey’s racing manager) always said Gerry would send me one to train – but she was just waiting for the right horse. This is the right horse alright.”
“He is a really good horse and I think he’s got a big future. He should really relish longer distances.”
Absalon is the first horse Harvey has sent to Jason McLachlan to train. The chances of more joining him in the future soared this afternoon!
McLachlan said he wasn’t sure where and when Absalon would run next.
“I haven’t looked much into it to be honest, I just wanted to see how he measured up today.”
McLachlan praised stable rider Eddie Wilkinson for his work on Absalon.
“He’s always shown a lot,” Wilkinson said. “He had a couple of trials but they were too short, but he always showed something I liked.”
“The further we go the better for him. He’s a really nice horse.”
From two runs, Absalon has already earned over $70,000 and he looks to have an extremely bright future.
Absalon is the first winner for his dam – the winning Danehill mare Danish Seaway.
Successful over 1800 metres, Danish Seaway is a full sister to Hong Kong group winner Sir Ernesto and half sister to Sydney stakes winner Angling.
Further back his is the same family as international champion racehorse and sire Halling.
Winner: Absalon
Breeding: Mossman-Danish Seaway (Danehill)
Race: BRC Dalrello Stakes LR (1200m)
Passed for: $42,500
Sale: 2010 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Baramul Stud
Reserve: $45,000
Earnings: $70,500
Owner(s): G Harvey
Trainer: Jason McLachlan (Sunshine Coast)
PICS – Dan Costello.
