Tom Dabernig may boast 18 Group One victories, but the satisfaction derived from Shadhavar’s triumph in the CF Orr Stakes would have been unparalleled.
Held at Sandown, marking the conclusion of the Victorian Spring Group One racing for the second year running, Shadhavar extended her exceptional run of form to overcome a field of five, all of whom were Group One winners.
Sent off at $7 under the guidance of Kerrin McEvoy, Shadhavar settled outside Beiwacht before taking the lead early in the home straight. She successfully resisted the late surge from Pericles ($3.70), crossing the line three-quarters of a length ahead. The favourite, Jimmysstar ($3.40), finished a further two-and-a-quarter lengths back in third place.
Following his previous training partnerships with David and then Ben Hayes at Lindsay Park, Dabernig relocated to Warrnambool in 2021 to establish his own stable. Shadhavar represents his first individual Group One success across eight attempts.
“It gives everyone a big thrill,” Dabernig remarked.
“She’s a classic example of a horse we had since a yearling, and she’s been able to develop and get to group one level.
“I think that when we got her to 1400 (metres) is when she really went to another level, and her three runs at this distance, she’s now undefeated.
“When this Group One was on our doorstep, I said we’re mad not to have a try because when these mares get in form like this, the purple patch that we talk of, you really have to take advantage of it.”
An intriguing subplot to the C F Orr Stakes involved Shadhavar’s usual jockey, Craig Williams, partnering the runner-up Pericles. Williams had a prior commitment to the Bjorn Baker-trained gelding before Shadhavar’s victory in the Group 3 Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day.
This opened the door for Kerrin McEvoy, who achieved his first Group One win in Melbourne since guiding Cross Counter to triumph in the 2018 Melbourne Cup.
“I’ve known Tom since I was an apprentice back in our Lindsay Park days,” McEvoy shared.
“I haven’t ridden for Tom since he’s gone out on his own, so it’s really pleasing to get this win for him.”
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