Emotions reigned supreme at Turffontein on Saturday as South Africa’s fast ascending equine star Abashiri confirmed his arrival with a breathtaking display of power galloping to grind his hapless opposition into the dust with a terrific win in the R1 million Gr2 Gauteng Guineas.
Karl Zechner and his newest best friend Abashiri look set to rewrite the record books (Pic – JC Photos)
The first leg of the 2016 SA Triple Crown was run in beautiful weather conditions in front of a crowd that had RA CEO Larry Wainstein asking, “where have you guys been all this time?”
Trainer Mike Azzie had the son of Go Deputy looking a million dollars and for a man who always wears his heart on his sleeve and talks more than an American Presidential candidate, he was decidedly subdued in the build-up week, suggesting that his charge was going to do the talking on the track.
“I am not talking to the media or Tellytrack. Usually I’m the one who does all the talking and it lands me in trouble so this time I’m going to let the horse do the talking.”
So said the Azzman earlier in the week and it certainly did the trick!
On a dream afternoon for Azzie and his mainstay owners Adriaan and Rika Van Vuuren, things came together with the gelding running a cracker to register a hat-trick of wins – but more importantly to signal that he could well gallop in the golden hoofprints left by Horse Chestnut and Louis The King.
Karl Zechner – the man has nerves of steel!
Enjoying one of the best seasons of his career to date, Karl Zechner never missed a heartbeat, although he had a few of us with our vital organ in our throats, as he hit the front with what seemed like an eternity still to run.
Thoughts that the big moment had gotten to the talented rider were quickly quelled, as Abashiri dug deep from the 400m and frankly never looked like being nabbed.
He performed his customary hanging out display, but it was less accentuated than previously and he is obviously learning quickly.
The outsider of the Tarry trio in the King’s Chapel colt Malak El Moolook seemed the only danger late, but he was run out of it by a late pop of the cork by the consistent Champagne Haze, who came through to snatch second.
The judge declared that Abashiri had won by 2,50 lengths in a time of 97,95 secs.
The Johan Janse Van Vuuren danger duo of Brazuca and New Predator disappointed, with the former finishing the better to secure fourth, but a solidly beaten 4,35 lengths off.
The Mike de Kock trained Suyoof ran a bold attacking race from the front but was outrun and finished in midfield.
The KZN based attack were comprehensively outplayed, as was probably to be expected.
Jockey Karl Zechner paid tribute to a very promising 3yo.
“I am so privileged to ride a horse like this and I appreciate the owner and trainer staying loyal to me. Abashiri gives one such a great feel. Typical of a top horse, he is so relaxed and he is the kind of athlete that can correct a jockey’s mistakes. I had him in a nice position and wanted to be closer than usual as I knew they’d come from the outside. But the pace was right and he told me when he was ready to go. I am so grateful to be part of the team and thanks to my agent Desmond Zacpack Zackey – it is his daughter’s birthday today so it is a double celebration,” said Zechner.
Mike Azzie – has some serious currency on his hands with this one
Choking back the tears, an emotional Mike Azzie said that Abashiri was the type of horse a trainer woke up early for.
“Like Dynasty he won a mile first time of asking. I told my sons Adam and Ryan that this was was another opportunity like National Currency and we couldn’t mess things up. Adriaan and Rika are not owners, they are friends. This horse makes me look better than I am. He really is a machine. Well done to my team –they take my nonsense every day, but I’m a perfectionist and my clients deserve nothing less,” he said.
Owner Adriaan Van Vuuren said that next to a child being born, moments like this were the most memorable.
“This horse means business-he has the look. When Abashiri walked into the ring it was a moment reminiscent of me meeting my wife again,” he said.
The magnificent Abashiri was bred by Lammerskraal Stud and is a son of resident sire Go Deputy, out of the prolific winner producing mare, Donya. The latter, a daughter of champion broodmare sire Elliodor, won seven races.
Abashiri was very well bought at R400 000 on the National Yearling Sale.
He is now a winner of 4 races with 2 places from 6 starts and stakes of R940 000.
That excludes the BSA Value Added Stakes Bonus of R102 500.
On breeding and raw ability, he could well go on and make history this season.
The next leg of the Triple Crown is the Gr1 SA Classic to be run over 1800m on 2 April.
Larry will be hoping that the crowd returns – and on what we saw today, we can’t wait.
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Gr2 Gauteng Guineas (SAf-Gr2)
Turffontein, South Africa, February 27, R1 million, 1600m, turf, soft, 1.37.95
1 – ABASHIRI (SAF), 60.0, b g 3, Go Deputy (USA) – Donya (SAF) by Elliodor (FR). Owner Mr A & Mrs F J Van Vuuren; Breeder Lammerskraal Stud; trainer MG Azzie; jockey K Zechner
2 – Champagne Haze (SAF), 60.0, b c 3, Kahal (GB) – Vin Fizz (SAF) by Qui Danzig (USA)
3 – Malak El Moolook (SAF), 60.0, ch c 3, King’s Chapel (AUS) – Lee Danzig (SAF) by Qui Danzig (USA)
Margins: 2.50, 0.10, 1.75
