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Matamata trainer Jason Bridgman is looking ahead with confidence after strong showings from the stable’s three premier runners at Hastings at the weekend.
There was honour in defeat for the trio of Abidewithme, Chambord and Wolfwhistle, who gave bold first-up performances from wide draws on Saturday.
Abidewithme drew serious attention to her Group One prospects later in the Hawke’s Bay carnival with her storming finish from the back for fourth in the Makfi Challenge Stakes.
“It was a massive run from that barrier (14) and we had to drop back and ride her for luck,” Bridgman said.
“With a clearer run she might have got third, but we’re happy with what we did get.
“She pulled up super and her recovery rate was brilliant – her heart rate was back to normal after 10 minutes.
“Prior to Saturday, she had only been beaten once fresh over 1400 metres and that was in the Westbury Classic when she ran second to Chintz from another wide draw.”
Abidewithme is nominated for both the Gr.1 Windsor Park Plate on September 20 and the Gr.1 Livamol Spring Classic a fortnight later.
“We’re keeping all our options open and the 2000 metres of the Classic will certainly suit her,” Bridgman said.
Both Chambord, runner-up in the Rating 85 sprint, and Wolfwhistle, fourth in the Rating 75 mile, had also come through their outings well.
“They had to go back and they hit the line well,” Bridgman said. “All three horses will only improve and it was a good start to the season for them.”
Considered a Group One contender of the future, Chambord was making his first appearance since he won at Te Rapa in April while Wolfwhistle, a son of the 2006 Spring Classic winner Legs, was also turned out after winning on the Hamilton course in May.