Shawn Mathrick has revealed the 2016 Darwin Cup (2000m) is likely to figure as a target for Adirondack after the gelding produced a career-best performance to win the Vobis Gold Heath (2000m) at Caulfield over the weekend.
Adirondack will likely be set for the 2016 Darwin Cup. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos
Adirondack was sent off a $4.50 favourite in the Gold Heath and did his chances of success no harm when jumping well and taking an ideal position on pace; ensuring the race would be run at a reasonable tempo.
Challenged by a strong contingent rounding onto the final straight, the Lonhro gelding produced a scintillating turn of foot to pull clear and hit the line more than five lengths ahead of closest rival Firehouse Rock.
Having been unable to overcome a tough run in transit in each of the Stony Creek Cup (2100m) and Bill Collins BM78 (2400m) leading into the Gold Heath, Mathrick told Racing Ahead he was thrilled with the winning performance but was confident the horse would run out of his skin.
“We had a crack at the Stony Creek Cup and I thought he’d win that, but he didn’t have any luck in the race,” Mathrick said.
“Again at Caulfield we didn’t have any luck, he was a bit fierce and just kept rolling on so he cost himself the race.
“We knew he had the ability and I did the form in the race backwards and just thought the way the track was playing, he was unbeatable.
“I thought Firehouse Rock was our only danger and when he loomed up on the outside on the corner I thought he we go, we’re going to run a great second again, but he found another gear which was pretty exciting.”
Underling the 2016 Darwin Cup as the hopeful target, Mathrick revealed he may look to a race like the Hollindale Stakes (1800m) on the Gold Coast on May 7th before a return to the paddock.
“I’m not really sure,” Mathrick said.
“I’m not sure how much he improved or if the others just weren’t really up there.
“But looking at the times he ran on his last 400m, he looked like he’s gone to another level so if I can find a nice 1800m or 2000m Group 3 I might have a little crack at one of them and see where he’s at.
“Maybe the Gold Coast, it’s a nice front-running track and then out for a spell and off to Darwin I think.
“I’ve got family up there so it would be a bit of fun.”
Adirondack has posted a commendable seven wins and six minors through twenty-six career starts since debuting for Peter Snowden in 2013.
