Short-priced favourite Aft Cabin overcame a slow start and a chequered run to claim Saturday's $1,000,000 Group II Arrowfield Sprint at Randwick.
Ridden by James McDonald for James Cummings, Aft Cabin took a step back as the barriers opened. The son of Astern kept up a strong gallop down the centre of the track to defeat the consistent Snitzel filly Wee Nessy by three-quarters of a length. It was a long head back to the Overshare filly Lady Laguna in third. Her run was huge as she was back with the winner in the run and was never closer than three wide.
Aft Cabin dropped back to 1200m after finishing less than two lengths by Communist when fourth in the Group 1 Randwick Guineas on March 4.
James McDonald said the barrier was costly for Aft Cabin in the Randwick Guineas.
“If he drew a gate in the Randwick Guineas, he would’ve fought it out, that’s for sure,” McDonald said.
“He shows great stamina, and I think it was on display here today because he got put on his head at the 600m and had to regather and make a long sustained run. Strong as an ox late in the piece, he’s a very good horse, and I reckon he’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the sprinting ranks.
“I duffed the start, back in no man’s land. At the 600m Zou Tiger just came flying back, and I ended up in all sorts, flushed off the track. He had to regather himself and make a long sustained run to the line, which, lucky he’s a strong six-furlong horse, runs a good seven, which was on display today.
“He’s an unfinished product, that’s for sure. He’s got so much to give. I know they’ve (Godolphin) got a very good sprinter in In Secret but give this horse six months; he will be a beauty.”
After rounding out last spring with a win in the Group III Caulfield Guineas Prelude, Aft Cabin bled and reappeared after twenty weeks to dominate in the Group III Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on February 4.
The son of Astern advances his record to four wins and two seconds from eight starts with earnings of $1,112,800.
A half-brother to the Group III PJ Bell Hcp winner Multaja (Medaglia d’Oro) and three-quarters to the Listed ATC Lonhro Plate winner Veranillo (Medaglia d’Oro), Aft Cabin is the best of five winners from as many to race for the Lonhro mare Shelters.
A sister to Group 1 BRC TJ Smith Stakes winner Benfica, Shelters has a yearling colt by Harry Angel (IRE) and a colt foal by Brazen Beau. Shelters revisited Astern last spring.
