Aaron Bain Racing

Beach Pad

Aaron Bain

An amazing weekend for Aaron Bain Racing!
A super Saturday at Thomas Farms Murray Bridge with our first metro treble, from just three runners at the races, then on Monday our first Adelaide Cup day winner with Dual Pressure winning first up.
It was the sixth consecutive metro meeting that ABR has had at least one winner.
Each Saturday winner had its own special significance.
SHADY THINKER made a tough transition from winning a maiden to success against well performed opposition in the Magic Millions 3&amp;4YO Classic to record our best win.
Importantly, SHADY THINKER was selected by the ABR team at the 2023 Magic Millions Adelaide Sales and with this year&rsquo;s sale taking place this week ABR is out looking for more value purchases.
ABR Bloodstock Manager Barend Vorster has headed our team looking at the sale yearlings as we seek new stars.
It was fantastic to see BAKEEL back up his impressive ABR debut and we hope he can continue his way through the grades and pick up a feature race.
ABR has always believed NAVY GOLD was capable of winning a metro race and to see him do it was most satisfying and no reason why he can&rsquo;t do it again.
Monday saw DUAL PRESSURE win at his first start for ABR.
He was a high-price purchase of $220,000 but ABR believes he will more than repay that price, Monday was just the start.
As we have reported it was the sixth straight metro meeting where ABR has had a winner, and the treble has continued the rise up the premiership ladder for trainers Aaron Bain &amp; Ned Taylor.
ABR heads to Strathalbyn on Wednesday with one runner, owned in Western Australia by Geoff Evans.
BEACH PAD steps up to an ideal trip in race four, the Terminus Hotel Strathalbyn Class One Handicap (2050m) at 2.50pm SA time.
Jason Holder rides the four-year-old which has drawn barrier nine in a field of 14.
The gelding has run well in both starts from a break and Wednesday&rsquo;s race looks ideal for him to figure in the placings.
PACIFIC JEWEL accepted in race eight, the Goolwa Central Meats Benchmark 58 Handicap (1350m) but after drawing wide, it was decided to scratch and save for another day.
<h2>ABR Weekend Star</h2>
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WzuevAWDTWs" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe> A host of winners to choose from for ABR but we have settled on SHADY THINKER.
It is very hard for a horse to win on debut in a maiden, then step up in grade and score again &ndash; especially against opposition with excellent form.
But that is what SHADY THINKER did on Saturday, finishing off his race in great fashion.
He stamped himself as a quality three-year-old with an outstanding victory at Murray Bridge.
Co-trainers Aaron Bain &amp; Ned Taylor claimed arguably their best race win when SHADY THINKER pulled clear to land the $122,250 Magic Millions SA 3&amp;4YO Classic (1200m).
Ridden by Jason Holder, the son of champion racehorse and stallion So You Think, started a solid $2.70 favourite and drew away to win by 1-1/4 lengths from Overstrike ($12) with Tripod Terror ($91), a half-length away third.
SHADY THINKER came from gate 10 in a field of 11 and, after jumping well, was caught three and four wide in the run to the home turn.
Holder asked the gelding to lengthen, and he joined the leaders, but it looked like being a tight battle past the 100-metre mark.
Under hard riding, SHADY THINKER responded and raced away to win impressively.
Trainer Aaron Bain said SHADY THINKER was a three-year-old of untapped potential.
&ldquo;He was challenged today and really dug deep,&rdquo; Bain said.
&ldquo;There is a lot of upside to this horse, he is a good horse.
&ldquo;A big win, we were worried a little bit about his draw.
&ldquo;Our Racing Manager Will (O&rsquo;Malley) said, with the shute start, he was not so worried about the wide draw.
&ldquo;In the end, he won with authority.&rdquo;
Winning jockey Jason Holder said it had been a huge effort by SHADY THINKER.
&ldquo;He was taking on well performed horses, some which had been placed in Melbourne,&rdquo; Holder said.
&ldquo;I was going to try and follow another of the fancies, but we jumped too well, and I ended up two lengths closer than we had scripted.
&ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t think they went too hard early, so I had to use my initiative and ride him where he was comfortable.
&ldquo;The most pleasing part was when the challenges came, he had another gear.
&ldquo;He definitely won me over today, I thought he had to prove himself, and he did.&rdquo;

Weekend Review

Dual Pressure

Navy Gold

Bakeel

Shady Thinker

An exciting weekend of racing with the Magic Millions race day on Saturday at Thomas Farms Murray Bridge, then the Adelaide Cup meeting at Morphettville on Monday.
Aaron Bain Racing will have key runners at both meetings and look to continue our excellent results in metropolitan races over the past month.
While the focus will be on racing this weekend, ABR was busy earlier in the week purchasing four yearlings at the 2025 Inglis Premier Sale in Melbourne.
The first purchase was a colt by Wild Ruler out of Fu Ni, a mare by Adelaide that won three races and is from a good staying family. He cost $50,000.
Our second purchase, at $30,000, was a So You Think filly for the highly successful Grand Syndicates. She is out of a More Than Ready mare Missari.
ABR&rsquo;s third purchase cost $80,000. He is a colt by Dirty Work out of the stakes placed WA mare Saxy Grace, which was best around the 2000 metre mark.
Our final purchase was a filly offered by South Australia&rsquo;s Willow Grove Stud.
She was by Wild Ruler from Spanish Miracle, a relation to prolific stakes winners Another Award and Tequila Time.
ABR has now purchased yearlings at the Gold Coast Magic Millions, Sydney and Melbourne Premier Sales and will be at Magic Millions Adelaide next week.
Have a look at our website to see if any of our purchases attract your interest so you can #experiencetheTHRILL.
ABR has three runners at the Magic Millions race day at Thomas Farms Murray Bridge on Saturday.
First to step out will be the impressive debut winner SHADY THINKER.
He lines up in the $122,250 Magic Millions SA 3&amp;4-Year-Old Classic (1200m), race seven at 3.52pm SA time.
SHADY THINKER has drawn poorly in barrier 11 in a field of 12 with Jason Holder to ride.
Trainers Aaron Bain &amp; Ned Taylor have opted to accept in a strong field with a number of well performed runners, but the event will be a great way to measure the gelding&rsquo;s potential.
The TAB price assessors don&rsquo;t think there are too many negatives and have SHADY THINKER the $2.90 favourite &ndash; let&rsquo;s hope they are excellent judges.
Ex-Singapore galloper BAKEEL, so impressive at his first run for ABR, will start in race eight, the Happy 75th Birthday Phil Fitzsimmons Handicap (1400m) at 4.32pm SA time.
Manoel Nunes will be aboard again jumping from gate four in a field of 14.
The extra 200 metres should suit perfectly after winning first up at Morphettville over 1200 metres.
ABR hopes BAKEEL can again prove super competitive.
The TAB believes the gelding can be the one to beat and he is the $1.50 favourite with the second elect at $8.50.
The promising NAVY GOLD completes our day in race nine, the Thomas Farms Handicap (1400m) at 5.12pm SA time.
Manoel Nunes will be in the saddle and the gelding has drawn barrier four in a field of 20 with four emergencies. Already there has been two scratchings which do not affect the ABR runner.
Nunes was aboard NAVY GOLD when an unlucky second at this track and trip on January 24 before the gelding returned to the winning list at Oakbank with Jason Holder in the saddle.
The long, wide straight at Thomas Farms Murray Bridge suits the four-year-old and expect him to run well again in tougher company.
NAVY GOLD is $9.50 in early markets behind the $6 equal favourites Swiftie Harriet and Wild Winner.
ABR has three acceptors also at Morphettville on Adelaide Cup day, Monday March 10.
Tiny mare DON&rsquo;TDOUBTLAYLA runs in race two, the Glenelg BMW Handicap (1100m) at 1.05pm SA time.
Jason Holder will ride the mare which has drawn gate six in a field of 13.
It will be a tough contract, but the wide spaces of Morphettville should suit and allow her to unleash her late finishing burst.
ABR is excited to have recent purchase DUAL PRESSURE step out in race three, the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Handicap (1200m) at 1.40pm SA time.
No luck with draw and he will come from the extreme outside gate in a field of 12 but we have star jockey Jason Holder in the saddle.
ABR has given DUAL PRESSURE two trials to ready him for Monday. The most recent was a win over 1050m at Morphettville on February 11 when ridden by Holder.
Another of ABR&rsquo;s ex-Singapore gallopers GHALIB completes our day in race eight, the Listed Thomas Farms Manihi Classic (1100m) at 4.55pm SA time.
GHALIB has drawn barrier seven in a field of 15 quality gallopers as one would expect in such a feature.
Manoel Nunes will ride.
GHALIB has had two nice trials to ready him for Monday.
The five-year-old has not raced since unplaced in Singapore on September 21 but it is worth noting on July 28 he did run third behind the local champion Lims Kosciusko and Golden Money in the Lion City Gold Cup (1200m), beaten just over two lengths.
It is an exciting time to be involved in the racing industry and ABR looks forward to being a key participant.

ABR Weekend Preview

Aaron Bain Racing stretched our winning Saturday sequence to four with the brilliant win by DUBAI FOCUS at Morphettville Parks on Saturday.
As ABR gets the balance right between our fantastic base of Angaston Park and the Gawler stables, the winners are starting to come.
The run started on Saturday, February 8 when OVEREXTEND scored a comprehensive win in the Grand Syndicates Handicap (1050m) at Morphettville, ridden by Taylor Johnstone.
A week later, around Morphettville Parks, SHADY THINKER made a brilliant debut in the Sportsbet Fast Form Maiden (1000m), with Jason Holder in the saddle.
Then, it was ex-Singapore galloper BAKEEL which covered ground but was still way too strong for the opposition in the Happy 40th Birthday Chris Bieg Handicap (1200m), ridden by Manoel Nunes.
Last Saturday, DUBAI FOCUS, ridden by Jason Holder, led throughout for an easy win in the SkyCity Handicap (1400m).
This Saturday, ABR will try to extend the run to five.
No runners at Wednesday&rsquo;s midweek Oakbank meeting but still a busy week for ABR.
On Tuesday, at the Morphettville Parks trials, ABR will step out another two ex-Singapore gallopers.
MAKIN and GHALIB are set to trial among five horses we are taking to the session.
With the win by BAKEEL a week ago and the excellent third of ASIF on Saturday, ABR is looking forward to watching the development of the next pair.
Also trialling is quality mare EVERGLADE, newcomer GOODNITE MOON and consistent METRO LEGEND.
ABR is looking forward to next Saturday and Monday.
Saturday is the big Magic Millions raceday at Murray Bridge while Monday is the Adelaide Cup day program at Morphettville.
We expect to be prominent at both meetings. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
<h2>ABR Weekend Star </h2>
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bFHZrEP_ZA0" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe> 
What a win by DUBAI FOCUS at Morphettville Parks on Saturday to claim ABR&rsquo;s Weekend Star award.
With a bold running performance DUBAI FOCUS gave his rivals a galloping lesson.
Resuming from a spell, trainers Aaron Bain and Ned Taylor had the three-year-old primed a brilliant return in the SkyCity Handicap (1400m).
Ridden by Jason Holder, DUBAI FOCUS, solid in the market at $4.80, led comfortably then dashed away over the final 200 metres to win by 2-1/2 lengths from Justa Star ($3.20) with Balistique ($9), three-quarters of a length away third.
The win saw connections pick up the first prize of $35,500 plus a SA Racing Rewards bonus of $21,120 &ndash; equating to winning a feature race.
DUBAI FOCUS has always shown ability for the ABR team but has been a little bit immature.
He was an impressive Gawler maiden winner on Cup day before going for a break.
With two trials under his belt, the three-year-old showed the benefit with a brilliant win around the Parks circuit.
Trainer Aaron Bain credited ABR Racing Manager Will O&rsquo;Malley with the win.
&ldquo;Ned and I were thinking of taking him to Balaklava last Sunday, but Will spotted this race and suggested it would be ideal, and he was right.
&ldquo;With the Racing Rewards bonus, the owners have a good tally to add to their bank.
&ldquo;It was a great ride by &lsquo;Stubby&rsquo; (Jason Holder), he rated DUBAI FOCUS perfectly.
&ldquo;He has come up to Angaston Park and ridden him in trackwork and really been a big help in getting the gelding to where he is today.
&ldquo;I loved the way DUBAI FOCUS kicked in the home straight &ndash; he really gives his all in his races and will sleep well tonight.&rdquo;
Bain said the gelding would have an easy week before being aimed towards another three-year-old race over 1600 metres at Morphettville on Saturday, March 29.
Jockey Jason Holder said Dubai Focus&rsquo; win was the result of excellent training to have him ready first up.
&ldquo;I have done a bit of work on him, so it was good for him to put it out today,&rdquo; Holder said.
&ldquo;It was a good win.
&ldquo;Will (O&rsquo;Malley) had a game plan to let him stride forward and ride him confidently which I did.
&ldquo;I got around the corner (400 metres out) and he was sharp.
&ldquo;It was probably the last 100 metres I knew he would be too strong for them.
&ldquo;It was a nice, dominant win.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
<h2>ABR&rsquo;s Harness Success </h2>
ABR, in association with our good friends Summit Bloodstock, is proud of the way we have been selecting young standardbreds in recent years.
Our two and three-year-olds had great seasons in 2023 and 2024, and our first two-year-old to step out in 2025 was a winner.
LOUCASSO, a colt by Sweet Lou, rated a brilliant 1:57.4 in a comfortable 6 metre win in the O&rsquo;Brien Electrical Pace (1690m).
Trained by Emma Stewart, and driven by James Herbertson, the colt is out of the well-bred mare Our Little Artist, a sister to former top performers Aspiring Artist, Rap Artist, Major Exclusive and last season&rsquo;s promising Shirley Not.
​

ABR Weekend Review

Dubai Focus

Champion jockey Barend Vorster has been appointed as Bloodstock Manager for Aaron Bain Racing (ABR).
Aaron Bain, the Principal of ABR, expressed his excitement about Vorster joining the team and becoming a key figure in the growth of the business.
"We are thrilled that Barend has accepted a formal role in the team of a pivotal role in the growth of ABR," Bain said. "Beyond his achievements as a champion jockey, Barend brings with him an exceptional understanding of the industry, and ABR is fortunate to have access to his vast racing knowledge."
Bain also acknowledged Vorster&rsquo;s key role in bringing Singaporean owner Mansoor Ghandi&rsquo;s horses to ABR.
"Barend was instrumental in Ghandi sending five horses our way, and we were delighted to see a first-up win with Bakeel at Morphettville last Saturday, as well as Asif debuting this weekend at Morphettville."
Vorster, 48, expressed his excitement about this new phase in his career.
&ldquo;Not having ridden for nearly two years, I wanted to look at other options and becoming Bloodstock Manager for Aaron Bain Racing gives me a new challenge and the opportunity to remain in the racing industry,&rdquo; Vorster said
&ldquo;I attended the Gold Coast Magic Millions Sale last month and the Inglis Classic Sale in Sydney in February.&rdquo;
Vorster will also be attending the Victorian Inglis Premier Sale on March 2, 3, and 4, followed by his involvement in the Magic Millions Adelaide Sale on March 17 and 18.
"I will be working closely with our team to source horses for ABR to purchase while also fostering relationships with breeders, studs, sales companies, and both current and prospective owners. This will be an important part of shaping the next phase of my life, and ultimately working with Aaron to build the next chapter at Angaston Park."
Vorster&rsquo;s journey as a jockey came to an unexpected end on February 18, 2023, when the horse Chicago Storm threw its head back and struck him in the face at Morphettville.
Though Chicago Storm went on to win the race, Vorster experienced dizziness and a severe headache following the incident.
The concussion and subsequent issues have kept the 2021/22 John Letts Medal winner from riding ever since.
Vorster said, with treatment, he had improved, but there was one issue which was preventing him from returning to race riding.
&ldquo;A vertebra in my neck is not quite right and if I shift my head into a particular area, there is a sharp pain because the nerves pinch,&rdquo; Vorster said.
&ldquo;Unfortunately, it would be when I lifted my head if I were riding. Specialists have told me it might come right, but while I was waiting, I wanted to do something in case it never really heals. I had become friends with Aaron when he started training and had a good association with him and Ned (Taylor).&rdquo;
&ldquo;One of my closest friends is Wayne Mitchell who owns Angaston Park and when Aaron and Ned started training on the property, I started going up to watch trackwork, just to keep myself involved in the industry. &nbsp;Aaron suggested I move into a more formal role with the team, and I was happy to be involved. His enthusiasm to grow the business is infectious, and I am looking forward to helping the development of ABR.&rdquo;
Vorster's career began at the South African Apprentice Academy when he was just 14. He had his first race at 17, riding successfully in South Africa until the age of 25. He then accepted an offer to race in Singapore, where he stayed for 15 years.
Together with his wife Nikki, Vorster made the decision to relocate and join trainer Tony McEvoy in South Australia, where McEvoy was based at Kildalton Park, now Angaston Park. There, he won the prestigious Group 1 Newmarket Handicap aboard the champion mare Sunlight, just his third ride in Australia. Vorster went on to win 1980 races, including 11 Group 1s. <img src="https://www.prism.horse/api/public/image/2414aa12c0e040048c0215037637e366.jpg" alt="" width="630" />
&ldquo;I have been very fortunate to have ridden such champion racehorses such as Rocket Man and Sunlight, but I now look forward to helping Aaron and Ned find their own Group 1 winners.&rdquo;
Bain added that Vorster&rsquo;s move into the Bloodstock Manager role will help refocus the efforts of form expert Will O&rsquo;Malley.
&ldquo;Will came on board assisting in the bloodstock area, but with Barend now joining ABR on a full-time basis, Will can focus on the form, programming, acceptances and jockey bookings.
Vorster is also present at trackwork of a morning at Angaston, and will now take a more hands-on role with the development of the brand. &nbsp;His presence and dedication reflect his commitment to ABR becoming Australia&rsquo;s Next Generation of Racing.
Vorster can be contactable in his new role for the stable via&nbsp;<a href="mailto:barend@aaronbainracing.com.au">barend@aaronbainracing.com.au</a>&nbsp;or 0487 971 221.

Vorster joins ABR as Bloodstock Manager

February was fabulous for Aaron Bain Racing, hopefully now March will be magnificent.
ABR heads to Morphettville Parks on Saturday with five runners hoping to extend our metro winning run which stands at three in the last three weeks.
We accepted with six but opted to scratch recent stable addition DUAL PRESSURE after he drew poorly. He can kick off for ABR on Adelaide Cup day, Monday, March 10.
Our day starts in race four, the Fotobase Group Handicap (1550m) at 2.12pm SA time with BULLET WING looking to go one better after consecutive seconds.
Apprentice Taylor Johnstone stays about BULLET WING which has drawn gate eight in a field of nine.
The gelding was grabbed late around the Parks circuit at his most recent run but arguably faces a slightly tougher field on Saturday.
BULLET WING opened at $4.60 with the TAB but drifted to $5 with Bad Detective the right favourite firming from $2.40 into $2.25.
Bold running DUBAI FOCUS resumes in race six, the SkyCity Handicap (1400m) at 3.22pm SA time.
Jason Holder will ride the three-year-old which has drawn barrier three in a field of 10.
DUBAI FOCUS hasn&rsquo;t raced since winning easily at Gawler in October. He has trialled twice in readiness for his return, the most recent a close second over 1050m at Morphettville.
The TAB has opened him a $6 in an open betting race with Justa Star and Angel Torque equal favourites at $4.
Following the outstanding win of BAKEEL last Saturday for ABR, his ex-Singapore stablemate ASIF will step out on Saturday in race seven, the Thomas Farms Handicap (1000m) at 3.57pm SA time.
Manoel Nunes will ride coming from gate three in a field of 10.
He rode the gelding when a winner over 1200 metres in Singapore at the end of September.
ASIF has trialled nicely twice and should prove competitive.
OVEREXTEND has also accepted in the Thomas Farms Handicap and has drawn barrier five with Taylor Johnstone to ride and claim 2kg.
The six-year-old was an impressive winner at Morphettville on February 2.
The TAB opened ASIF at $4.80 and he firmed to $4.40 while OVEREXTEND was at $8 and drifted to $8.50 with the favourite the Victorian The Showvinist opening at $3.20 but backed into $2.90.
OVEREXTEND also accepted for Penola on Sunday, but the trainers have opted to run on Saturday.
Another to resume for ABR is the impressive RUBAMOS in race eight, the Happy 21st Willski Handicap (1400m) at 4.37pm SA time.
Taylor Johnstone has been booked for the seven-year-old which has drawn eight in a field of 10.
RUBAMOS hasn&rsquo;t raced since finishing midfield, but close up, in the Christmas Handicap at Morphettville on December 28.
Johnstone rode the gelding when he won a 1050 metre trial at Morphettville on February 11.
The TAB had RUBAMOS at $10 with the favourite Lets Get Down at $2.70.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<img src="https://www.prism.horse/api/public/image/abe485f5f61742bd9913506cc9acc0ab.png" alt="" width="687" height="84" />
ABR&rsquo;s admiration for galloper MIDNIGHT MASS has gone up a level.
With seconds in the Gawler Cup, John Letts Cup and Happy Trails final as well as a third in the Strathalbyn Cup, he had an excellent preparation, but trainers Aaron Bain &amp; Ned Taylor felt he wasn&rsquo;t quite 100 percent but couldn&rsquo;t any issue.
When he was going for a break after the Strathalbyn run, it was decided to send him to the Ballarat Veterinary Clinic to see if there was a problem.
After a thorough investigation, it was discovered he had a small fracture in his hip ball joint on the near side which he had been favouring, more so later in the preparation.
Trainer Aaron Bain said it was quite nasty.
&ldquo;It obviously had been giving him a little bit of trouble for some time,&rdquo; Bain said.
&ldquo;He is now on box rest at Angaston Park, and it could be out for up to six months.
&ldquo;There will be two to three months in the box before putting him out in a paddock.
&ldquo;Now we know his problem, our vet can keep a close watch on his rehabilitation.
&ldquo;Because he has been so good for ABR, we are prepared to give him as much time as he needs before attempting another preparation.
&ldquo;He has none a massive job nursing that through and we look to getting him right later in the year.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Aaron Bain Racing has had an excellent start to 2025 as the benefits of our training operation reap rewards.
With ABR now fully established at Angaston Park, and the team have had the opportunity of a complete preparation at the magnificent venue, the results are coming through.
Make no mistake, our original Gawler racecourse stables are also an important part of the ABR training operation.
In January, ABR had 18 runners for four winners, three seconds and five thirds for a winning strike rate of 23% and a place percentage of 67%.
February was even more fruitful with 17 runners for five winners, a second and a third for a 30% win strike rate and 42% place.
Importantly, of the five winners, three have been metro winners, with a winner on each of the last three Saturdays.
Those three Saturday winners have put the co-training team of Aaron Bain &amp; Ned Taylor into 10th place on the metro SA trainer&rsquo;s premiership.
Last Saturday, the ex-Singapore galloper BAKEEL made a brilliant start to his campaign with ABR racing wide but still proving too good for his rivals.
Make no mistake the ABR vision is to finish the season in the top five, so hopefully there will be more city winners to come as we head into the SA autumn carnival from March through to May.
Our main focus this week is to the Morphettville Parks meeting on Saturday with another ex-Singapore galloper Asif scheduled to run. 
<h2>ABR Weekend Star</h2>
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5MWxEOlKmdY" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe>
No argument that BAKEEL was definitely the ABR star of the weekend.
Trainer Aaron Bain said the ex-Singapore galloper was the best horse in the ABR stable at the present and he hoped BAKEEL would step up to black-type company over the next few months.
On Saturday, BAKEEL, still owned in Singapore, made a spectacular return to racing at Morphettville.
Despite being caught wide throughout, BAKEEL, trained by Aaron Bain and Ned Taylor, finished strongly to win the Happy 40th Birthday Chris Bieg Rating 68 Handicap (1200m).
Ridden by Manoel Nunes, the four-year-old, backed from $5 into $2.50 favourite, scored by two lengths from Dancing Storm ($14) with Press Express ($26), a long neck away third.
BAKEEL is owned by leading Singapore businessman Mr Mansoor Ghandi who sent a number of horses to be trained by Aaron Bain Racing and was the first of the group to race.
From his extreme outside draw of 12, Bakeel began soundly but was caught wide in the run down the side to the home turn.
The gelding was the widest runner turning for home but was powerful through the line gathering up the leaders and winning well.
Trainer Aaron Bain said BAKEEL was a serious racehorse.
&ldquo;He had been working very well and looked well placed in a rating 68 but I was nervous on the home turn when he had been wide and giving away a start,&rdquo; Bain said.
&ldquo;But, he has got gears and ran right up to his work.
&ldquo;He is even better suited over more ground and will step up to a benchmark 76 over 1400 metres at Murray Bridge on Saturday, March 8.
&ldquo;If he runs well again, his next start could be the Listed City of Adelaide Handicap over 1500 metres at Morphettville on Saturday, April 12.
Winning jockey Manoel Nunes said BAKEEL had made an excellent return to racing.
&ldquo;He was very impressive,&rdquo; Nunes said.
&ldquo;I was travelling three and four deep the whole way. I had to push him to go around the bend.
&ldquo;I know the horse but loved the way he hit the line.
&ldquo;I thought it might have been a bit short today, but he has a lot of class.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m sure he will be improved.&rdquo;

The building of Aaron Bain Racing takes another step on Saturday at Morphettville.
With the closure of Singapore racing in October last year, the Al-Arabiya Stable, managed by Mansoor Ghandi, had to make a decision about what to do with their team of horses.
Jockey Manoel Nunes had a strong association with the stable riding their horses and when he made the decision to relocate to South Australia, Mr Ghandi opted to send a number of his team to Adelaide.
He also had a positive association previously with jockey Barend Vorster who had moved to SA several years prior.
Aaron Bain Racing was chosen to prepare the Al-Arabiya Stable horses and BAKEEL is the first to step out.
Unfortunately, he has drawn barrier 13 in a field of 13 in the Happy 40th Birthday Chris Bieg Handicap (1200m), race six at 3.22pm SA time.
Nunes will reunite with BAKEEL having ridden the gelding in Singapore.
The four-year-old ran an excellent second in the Singapore Guineas (1600m) in May last year before winning a Rating 61 over 1600m which was his last start before coming to ABR.
BAKEEL won a 1050m trial at Morphettville on February 11 to ready him for Saturday&rsquo;s return to racing.
The TAB bet $4.40 about the gelding but support pushed his price back in to $4. Continued support now sees him as a clear $2.90 favourite.
BAKEEL will be the second runner for ABR at Morphettville.
Our day will start with BEACH PAD in race five, the Quayclean Handicap (1525m) at 2.47pm SA time.
BEACH PAD was an acceptor at Strathalbyn on Wednesday but drew gate 17 in a field of 17 so trainers Aaron Bain and Ned Taylor opted to scratch.
On Saturday, the four-year-old has drawn barrier five in a field of 12 with apprentice Taylor Johnstone to ride and claim 2kg.
BEACH PAD had his first run for ABR over 1250 metres at Morphettville Parks on February 1 and found the race too short.
He will find Saturday&rsquo;s 1525 metres much more to his liking and he will appreciate even more ground later in the preparation.
ABR will be looking for the gelding to be strong through the line on Saturday.
BEACH PAD opened at $13 but quickly drifted to $19 with the promising Sabaj a well backed $1.70 favourite.
On Sunday, ABR will take just one horse to Balaklava, and we have to wait until the final race.
THERE GOES MY HERO resumes in race seven, the Daniel &lsquo;Mini&rsquo; Balfour Memorial Cup Rating 0-62 Handicap (1400m).
The four-year-old has drawn gate two in a field of 13 with Jason Holder to ride.
THERE GOES MY HERO hasn&rsquo;t raced since November 2 when unplaced at Morphettville following an excellent Gawler win.
He has trialled well at Strathalbyn and Morphettville for his return and ABR would expect a bold first up showing by the ex-New Zealander.

aaron_bain | Aaron Bain News 61151 Abr Weekend Preview

ABR Weekend Preview

Fri, Feb 21, 2025

BEGIN YOUR ABR JOURNEY

aaron_bain | Aaron Bain News 61151 Abr Weekend Preview

ABR Weekend Preview

Fri, Feb 21, 2025

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BEGIN YOUR ABR JOURNEY