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It might have been by the barest of margins but Ahdashim impressively won the $100,000 MSS Security Sprint (1200m) at Flemington this afternoon. Settling in behind the speed in about sixth position, Ahdashim trailed early leader Here De Angels into the race before pushing into the clear at the furlong pole. Drawing alongside Here De Angels, it looked as if Ahdashim would go straight past the topweight however the Mark Kavanagh galloper kicked strongly only to be beaten in an enthralling head-bobbing finish. In the run to the line, Ahdashim ($4.80-$6.50) defeated Here De Angels ($4-$5-$4.40) by a nose with All Cheval ($31) a further head away. Snip Esprit who is now trained by John Symons and Shelia Laxon after enjoying short stints in South Australia and Western Australia flashed home for an unlucky fourth, beaten less then half a length from the winner.  Bocuse ($5.50-$7) seemed to race closer to the speed and failed to produce its customary withering burst of speed however still managed to finish fifth, a fraction over a length from the winner.
Two former winners of the race, Cocinero (2006) and Juggle The Books (2008) finished twelfth and ninth respectively, neither ever appeared a winning hope. Blake Shinn this time last year had just commenced his celebrations as winning rider of the 2008 Melbourne Cup aboard Viewed, but appeared to be just as pleased to not have a ride in this year's event a win aboard the progressive four-year-old sprinter. "I'm good friends with the owners of this horse, Bruce and Jill Matheison, and the horse has been a model of consistency and really deserved a victory and I couldn't have done it on a better day," Shinn said.  "Here De Angels was a very tough horse, he faced the breeze and gave a good kick.
"My horse had cover and he found the gaps and really found the line strongly," Shinn said before adding, "he's a push button ride and he makes my job easy." By Elusive City out of Clinique, Ahdashim was purchased by Gerald Ryan for $150,000 at the 2007 New Zealand Bloodstock NZ Premier Yearling Sale. Ahdashim is currently the most successful from a producing family. All seven foals of Clinique to hit the racetrack have won with Ahdashim the only one to have black type to its name. Pictures - Fiona Tomlin
© 2010 Published 03/11/09
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