2 Sep 2023French import Athabascan showed his appreciation of the step up to 2400 metres at Randwick to open his Australian account with victory in the Listed City Tattersalls Club Cup.
The sparingly raced son of Almanzor had been out of the money over shorter trips in his two lead-up performances for trainer John O’Shea before his depths of stamina were well-emphasised under rider Tom Sherry.
"He's a stayer to be reckoned with," said Assistant Trainer Tom Charlton.
"He's going to stay further and hopefully go onto another nice race this spring."
Sherry employed daring tactics to stunning effect and, after racing midfield one off the fence, improved sharply 600 metres from home to kick clear into the straight and Athabascan stayed on strongly to waltz home by two and a-half lengths.
The gelding began his career in France with champion trainer Andre Fabre and broke his maiden over 2000 metres before placing at stakes level and was then secured by OTI Racing to continue his career in Australia.
Athabascan is out of the Dansili mare Alzubra, who was successful on five occasions including the Listed Prix Dahlia.
He is the tenth stakes winner for his sire and joins Manzoice, Cheval d'Or, Rajapour, Unanimous Consent and Katoucha as stakes winners out of Danehill-line mares.