Abounding takes out rescheduled Doomben feature in successful first-up outing.
It might have been a late November victory but Rob Heathcote is a believer that Abounding is a proper Sydney autumn and Queensland winter carnival horse after her return victory at Doomben on Wednesday.
The now four-year-old may not have hit the winners' list last May and June but Heathcote says she has come back even better than her last summer campaign which culminated in winning the $3 million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m) at Gold Coast in January.
Steered masterfully by jockey Martin Harley from barrier 10 to take out the Listed Tattersall's Classic (1200m), Abounding ($5.50) notched her fifth career win in 17 starts along with eight minor placings.
It is the Gold Coast this January again where Heathcote will point the daughter of Rich Enuff in search replicating her success as fillies and mares features await.
"We were a little surprised when the markets went up around $12 and $14," Heathcote said.
"Finishing two-lengths behind Bella Nipotina and then she went on to win The Everest, we thought at home that she has come back better."
"Two-year-olds have to improve three lengths while three-year-old to four-year-olds have to improve again to be genuine contenders."
A $75,000 purchase at the 2022 Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Abounding's prizemoney has now hit $2.3 milllion.
"The barrier was tricky but they can show that ride at the apprentice school – it was ten-out-of-ten," he added.
"We're gearing towards the Magic Millions but she's definitely an excitement machine, she's great to look at and she can be up to the level required."
According to Racing and Sports ratings, Abounding rated 110 in her effort behind Bella Nipotina in the Group 1 Tattersall's Tiara (1400m) in June, and has rated at least 100 in all but two of her last eight outings.
The upward trajectory sees the mare also become a Doomben track and distance specialist two wins and two placings in four starts over the 1200-metres.
Abounding beat home the Matt Hoysted-trained pair Appin Girl ($8.50) and Party For Two ($5) with race favourite Bubba's Bay ($2.80) in fourth.
