Warrnambool trainer Tom Dabernig acknowledges that the CF Orr Stakes represents a significant challenge for Shadhavar, but he feels compelled to assess his in-form mare’s capabilities given her recent performances.

The five-year-old daughter of Pride Of Dubai is set to make her Group 1 debut in the $1 million 1400-metre race at Sandown this Saturday.

Shadhavar silenced any doubts about her stamina over 1400 metres with two commanding Group-level victories at that distance in her last two outings, prompting Dabernig to consider the Orr Stakes.

“It’s throwing her in the deep end, but she’s been excellent at the 1400 at her last couple of starts, so we’ll give it a go while she’s fit and in form,” he stated.

Shadhavar secured a convincing 2-3/4 length win in the Group 2 Tristarc Stakes over 1400 metres on October 17, though the racing pattern that day favoured horses racing on pace.

However, her subsequent victory, a dominant 4-1/4-length triumph in the Group 3 Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes on Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington, was achieved without such favourable conditions.

This win elevated her 1400-metre record to three wins and one second, behind the capable mare Surfin’ Bird, from a total of five starts.

The Orr Stakes will present a new hurdle, pitting Shadhavar against seasoned Group 1 contenders such as Angel Capital, Jimmysstar, and Beiwacht, who shares a similar racing style. Nevertheless, Dabernig is confident she will pose a genuine threat.

“She was impressive at Caulfield, but they were all talking about the on-pace bias, so I wasn’t sure if she could come to Flemington and lead and do it,” Dabernig remarked.

“She’s always been a very good mare that we’ve kept a lot of the time at 1200.

“She’s won three now at 1400 and I think her cruising speed is what her asset is.

“She seems to be able to maintain it and get the horses under pressure behind her, but I don’t know at weight-for-age against those horses whether it’ll be quite the same.”

Although Craig Williams partnered Shadhavar in her last two victories, he is scheduled to ride Pericles in the Orr Stakes. Kerrin McEvoy will now take the reins from barrier two at Sandown.

For those looking to back a winner, consider the current racing odds available at Australian betting sites.