Addictive Nature has held on to beat a fast-finishing Assimilate in a photo finish to the Group 3 Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m) at Rosehill Gardens this afternoon.
Addictive Nature held on to beat Assimilate on the line in the Group 3 Ming Dynasty Quality this afternoon. Photo: Steve Hart
Addictive Nature jumped from the barriers well in the Ming Dynasty Quality and immediately took up the running, while Assimilate all but missed the start and was forced to settle at the tail of the field of nine.
Setting a fair tempo alongside the likes of Runaway and Hypnotist, Addictive Nature kicked clear of his rivals upon arriving at the final straight and appeared to have the race won with 200m to travel, but was lucky to hold on to beat an outstanding Assimilate, who will take plenty of improvement from the run.
Trainer Bjorn Baker was pleased with the horse’s first black type win this afternoon, but revealed that a major campaign target is yet to be settled on.
“I thought it was a good effort – he’s still doing a few things upside down, but he’s got plenty of untapped potential,” Baker said.
“I guess for a Savabeel, he’s almost got too much speed so it’s a little bit of a question in terms of what we do and where we go.
“He’s always shown a lot, he’s a high-priced yearling and he’s one of the best looking horses I’ve ever trainer or ever been involved with. We’re lucky to have a horse like this and great to see him win like that.
“We’ll see how he recovers first thing, but regardless of what happens, we’re yet to see the best of him.
“He’s been up for a while, but there’s a pretty good race here in a couple of week’s we’ll definitely have to take a look at (Group 1 Golden Rose).”
Jockey Tim Clark believes that Additive Nature has the potential to be “A Group 1 horse,” but believes that he will continue to improve with race this season.
“Really progressive colt and he’s got a really big future,” Clark said after dismounting.
“He got attacked the whole way and was sort of working the whole race, and for him to be able to kick and hang on, it’s the signs of a top-liner.
“I think he’s probably a Group 1 horse, but he’s just mentally not there yet. Once he learns to do everything right, you’ll see a pretty smart horse.”
Addictive Nature has only made three competitive starts to date, but has more than stamped himself as a colt to follow in posting two wins and a close second.
