Loving Gaby (I Am Invincible) produced an electric finish once into the clear to claim the G3 Ladbrokes Chairman’s S. and put her to the forefront of discussions for the G1 Blue Diamond S. later this month.
Loving Gaby is raced by Phoenix Thoroughbreds, headed up by the Bahrain-born Amer Abdulaziz, who now resides in Dubai. He has emerged in recent years as a major thoroughbred investor in the United States, Europe and Australasia.
Abdulaziz purchased the filly for $500,000 at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale and placed her with Caulfield trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace. She gave an indication of her ability with a trial success at Pakenham last month.
“That’s our first runner for Phoenix Thoroughbreds and we really appreciate them supporting our stable,” Maher said. “She was very impressive and it was always the worry if she stepped slowly. She’s a big, raw filly.”
“That’s our first runner for Phoenix Thoroughbreds and we really appreciate them supporting our stable.” – Ciaron Maher.
Loving Gaby didn’t begin cleanly and settled at the back of the field on the fence, but once she was into clear air 200 metres from home she quickly put the issue beyond any doubt.
David Eustace and Ciaron Maher
“She’s got a really bright future and put the writing on the wall in her trial,” Maher said.
“She still doesn’t really know how to flatten out. She’s very exciting and she’ll go straight into the Blue Diamond now, it’s a nice gap between runs.”
Loving Gaby was ridden by Damian Lane, who was suitably impressed by her performance.
“She’s very exciting and she’ll go straight into the Blue Diamond now, it’s a nice gap between runs.” – Ciaron Maher.
“She was really good, she couldn’t have been more impressive,” he said. “She was a bit tardy to get into stride, but she’s got a lovely attitude.”
Loving Gaby
Loving Gaby’s sharp turn of foot took saw her quickly have the measure of stablemate Bella Rosa (Snitzel), who was resuming after winning the G3 Bumble S. at her first appearance during the Melbourne spring carnival.
“I thought Bella Rosa was very good as well,” Maher said. “She pinged out and had to make the speed and when Loving Gaby went past her she kicked.”
The stable is blessed with a number of smart 2-year-olds, but Maher has no doubt as to their top two.
“Loving Gaby is our best filly and Dubious is our best colt,” he said.
Dubious (Not A Single Doubt) has won two races, including the G3 Breeders’ Plate at Randwick and finished runner-up in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic.
Bred by Kia Ora Stud and Alan Bell, Loving Gaby is a daughter of Maastricht (NZ) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}), who won twice and finished runner-up in the G2 Edward Manifold S. and also placed in the G2 Alister Clark S. and the G3 Adrian Knox S.
Loving Gaby pictured as a yearling
She is a half-sister to the G1 Goodwood H. winner Velocitea (NZ) (Volksraad {GB}), who is closely related to the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke S. winner Orange County (NZ) (Volksraad {GB}).
There was also merit in the performance of the James Cummings-trained Lanigera (Denman), who shared the pace and boxed on well for third behind the Maher and Eustace pair.
“He’s a very quick horse and he utilised that speed out of the gates,” stable representative Kate Grimwade said.
“We weren’t disappointed at all and he will come on for the run as well. I’m sure James will be keeping him to the shorter trips.”
