Adelong way down path to Canterbury conquest despite COVID-19 chaos
Trainer Brad Widdup says he’s done his best to ensure promising mare Adelong is ready for her return at Canterbury today despite a less-than-textbook preparation.
Like many trainers, Widdup has had to make changes to his horses' path to the races due to the coronavirus restrictions, and Adelong has not been immune to the upheaval. But he believes that, despite drawing wide, the TAB Handicap (1100m) is a suitable race for the four-year-old’s first-up assignment and, while he’s had to do some improvising, fitness won’t be an excuse.
Brad Widdup has Adelong at peak fitness despite coronavirus restrictions.Credit:AAP
“Ideally I would have liked to get another trial with her but with everything going on we’re restricted to only trialling her at Hawkesbury so I’ve tried to get her as fit as I can,’’ he said. “You’ve got to be a bit adaptive. We are very lucky to be racing so you’ve just got to do your best.”
Adelong took big steps in her initial preparation through the summer, winning her first three starts before underlining her ability in a brave defeat to Lashes on January 4.
On that occasion Punter’s Intelligence sectional data showed Adelong was softened up in the lead in the 1100m event, running her first 500m in a blistering 28.26 which included 10.15 between the 1000m and 800m, meaning to hold on to second was a big effort.
Widdup said that performance confirmed she's an above-average talent, and when she returned to the stable the Queensland carnival was on the radar. Plenty has changed in the world since then.
“I don’t have any lofty ambitions with her yet,’’ he said. “I’d like to see her come back and race as well as she did last time, and if she does that I’ll be happy. There was good speed [last start] and she was run down by a horse that was suited.”
Adelong has had one trial, a win over 1000m at Hawkesbury two weeks ago, leading into this race and Widdup hopes jockey James McDonald can use her natural speed to offset an outside alley.
“It’s never ideal drawing out there," he said. "But she has good speed and I’m happy with her."
Supplied by Racing NSW
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