Aaron Bain Racing is an unabashed fan of Oakbank racing at Easter.
Certainly, the on-track happenings have change dramatically with the removal of jumps racing, but the names of the races are etched in history.
The Hills Railway Stakes, Onkaparinga Cup and Country Cup are just three races which have been important in the history of SA racing.
The 2019 Hills Railway winner Despatch went on to win the Goodwood Handicap a month later.
This year, ABR is excited to have runners around the Adelaide Hills course at Easter.
On Saturday, ABR takes three runners to the picturesque track.
BEACH PAD will be our first runner in race six, the Coopers Brewery Onkaparinga Cup (2150m) at 3.02pm SA time.
Apprentice Taylor Johnstone will ride and her 2kg claim will see our stayer line up 2kg under the minimum of 54kg.
BEACH PAD has drawn well in gate two in a field of 14.
He is going for a hat-trick of wins following victories at Strathalbyn and Morphettville.
ABR is lifting the bar again but BEACH PAD stays well and handles undulating tracks so he should be competitive.
The price assessors believe he can step up and early markets had him $4.60 equal favourite with Motorace in an open betting affair. Punters liked the ABR galloper and he has firmed into $4 favourite.
RUBAMOS gets his chance to notch a win in race seven, the Simon Tolley The Vintage (1400m) at 3.42pm SA time.
It is heat eight of the Adelaide In Autumn Series which culminates in a final a Morphettville next month.
Again, Taylor Johnstone takes the ride with her 2kg claim but unfortunately he has drawn barrier 14, the extreme outside gate.
RUBAMOS is racing very well with seconds at Morphettville Parks, then Morphettville when he was beaten an eyelash.
There is no doubt the 1400 metres is an ideal trip, and he has to be considered.
RUBAMOS was installed the $3.70 favourite in opening betting markets.
ABR&rsquo;s day concludes in race eight, the Listed Harcourts Adelaide Hills Railway Stakes (1100m) at 4.17pm SA time with METRO LEGEND.
Jason Holder has the mount coming from barrier eight in a field of 15.
ABR has kept him fresh for Saturday, but METRO LEGEND has had trial wins at Murray Bridge and Morphettville to ready for him for a race return.
Now a seven-year-old, the gelding goes well first up and he shouldn&rsquo;t be too far away in a quality field.
Eagle-eyed fans will note that METRO LEGEND is carrying new colours &ndash; purple with gold crossed sashes and cap - those of strong ABR supporter, John Curnow.
Early markets suggest he has the job ahead and he is at $41 behind the $2.50 favourite Sir Sway. Now, he has eased to $51.
ABR takes another trio of runners to Oakbank on Easter Monday.
WARM BREEZE starts our day in race one, the Sugar Financial Services Maiden (1050m) at 1.20pm SA time.
Jason Holder has the ride coming from gate 11 in an acceptance of 17 with three emergencies.
WARM BREEZE, a former New Zealander, ran a nice fifth at Balaklava in November at his first run for us and has since won a Murray Bridge trial on March 14.
Hopefully, he will prove a good winning chance.
Another to resume is BETSY&rsquo;S FLAG in race two, the Oakbank Hotel Class One (1100m) at 1.55pm SA time.
She comes from gate three in a field of13 with Jason Holder in the saddle.
The mare has finished well back at both her runs for ABR but had no luck at all at her first run.
BETSY&rsquo;S FLAG has deliberately been kept fresh for Monday and ABR hopes to see her run very well.
On-pace runner THERE GOES MY HERO completes our day in race five, the Klose&rsquo;s Foodland Rating 0-62 Handicap (2150m) at 3.40pm SA time.
He has drawn barrier three in a field of 13 and again, Jason Holder will be in the saddle.
THERE GOES MY HERO has thirds at Oakbank and Murray Bridge at his most recent runs and the step up to 2150m should suit him perfectly.
Holder is a master rider and loves middle distance races &ndash; he is a real bonus.
The four-year-old should give a great sight.
ABR took a big team of horses to the trials at Balaklava on Thursday.
Trainers Aaron Bain and Ned Taylor were very happy with the trials.
Ex-Singapore gallopers MAKIN, ASIF and GHALIB all trialled very well.
Others to please were METRICAL and GOODNITE MOON.
Harness Racing Update
ABR will have our first runner at Globe Derby Park for some time on Saturday.
Two-year-old OPEN THE GATES runs in race eight, heat two of the SA BOTRA Kindergarten Stakes Series (1800m) at 9.33pm SA time.
The filly, to be driven by Wayne Hill, has drawn gate seven, the extreme outside of the front row.
OPEN THE GATES was first past the post on debut in a heat of the Gold Tiara at Bathurst on March 19 but was relegated to second after a protest.
The filly then ran third in the consolation.
Hopefully, she can break through on Saturday.
ABR, in partnership with out good friends at Summit Bloodstock, along with Tonkin Stewart Racing purchased six yearlings at the Nutrien Equine Yearling Sale earlier this week.
Costing $218,000 those purchases will hopefully be our stars of 2026.
We picked up two Sweet Lous fillies, other fillies by Captaintreacherous, Bling It On and Muscle Mass plus a colt by McWicked.

Aaron Bain Racing

ABR Race Preview

Aaron Bain

More black type for Aaron Bain Racing over the weekend.
ABR&rsquo;s excellent run with our younger harness horses continued at Melton in Victoria on Friday landing the quinella in the Listed $125,000 Nutrien Equine Classic Race Series (2240m) for three-year-old fillies.
IVSEENHEAVENSLIGHT, well driven by Jackie Barker rated a smart 1:54.7 in winning the final by 4.4 metres from BEACH DIAMOND which was an outstanding second from an unfavourable draw of 12.
Both fillies are trained by Emma Stewart.
IVSEENHEAVENSLIGHT came gate nine and Barker made a winning mid-race move finding the front which enabled her to control the race and prove too good.
Driver Cam Hart had no luck early on BEACH DIAMOND and settled at the tail of the field before eventually coming around to sit parked and the filly showed great courage to finish second.
ABR had hoped for a black type win at Morphettville on Saturday but unfortunately BAKEEL had no luck from his barrier and ran well while we were proud of DUBAI FOCUS which finished fourth.
Now, ABR is looking ahead to the Easter and the famous Oakbank carnival where we will have good representation.
First, ABR heads to Balaklava on Wednesday with two runners, and they start in the final two races.
BULLET WING runs in race seven, the Kilburn RSL Sub Branch Benchmark 62 Handicap (1400m) at 4.15pm SA time.
Apprentice Taylor Johnstone has been booked to ride and claim 1.5kg off his weight of 61.5kg drawing barrier eight in a field of 16.
The six-year-old was an excellent second over 1550 metres at Morphettville Parks on March 15. He has a good record at the 1400 metre trip and should be very competitive.
NAVY GOLD has drawn well in gate one in race eight, the TQCSI Benchmark 60 Handicap (1600m) at 4.50pm SA time.
Top jockey Jake Toeroek has been booked to ride.
The four-year-old should get a soft run and with his habit of ducking in over the final stages will appreciate having the running rail on his inside.
NAVY GOLD was not disgraced last start when midfield over 1522 metres at Morphettville on a track which favoured on-pace runners.
ABR Weekend Star 
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Star three-year-old IVSEENHEAVENSLIGHT picks up the award as ABR&rsquo;s weekend star following her Listed win at Melton on Friday.
The filly ran second in the two-year-old version of the Nutrien Equine Classic and went one better in the three-year-old series.
Driven by Jackie Barker, IVSEENHEAVENSLIGHT came from gate two on the second row and settled midfield early.
Barker was positive early on bringing her around to find the lead and control the tempo.
Once in front she was in control and won well by 4.4 metres rating a smart 1:57.4.
IVSEENHEAVENSLIGHT has built an impressive record of four wins and a second from just seven starts collecting $189,200 in stakemoney.
Trainer Emma Stewart and partner Clayton Tonkin have done a fabulous job with the filly.
Both IVSEENHEAVENSLIGHT and second placegetter BEACH DIAMOND may head to New South Wales for the NSW Oaks heats at Menangle on Saturday, May 3.

Weekend Review

Aaron Bain Racing has had a tremendous start to 2025, achieving city doubles and a treble as well as having at least one winner at nine consecutive metro meetings.
Still on ABR&rsquo;s &ldquo;to do&rdquo; list is to have our first Group or Listed winner.
On Saturday at Morphettville we have two runners seeking to achieve that goal.
In-form mare PACIFIC JEWEL starts our day in race four, the Thomas Farms Handicap (1600m) at 2.02pm.
With her regular rider Taylah Johnstone required to ride for her master Andrew Gluyas, ABR has been able to secure SA&rsquo;s leading jockey apprentice Rochelle Milnes who claims 1.5kg and should be able to use at least 1kg of that allowance.
PACIFIC JEWEL has drawn gate nine in a field of 17 in the event, which is a heat of the Autumn Series.
The mare hasn&rsquo;t raced since March 15 when winning over 1550 metres at Morphettville Parks.
Price assessors give PACIFIC JEWEL little chance and have her at $19 behind the $2.90 favourite Spirit Of Camelot.
ABR&rsquo;s first chance for a Listed win is with former Singapore galloper BAKEEL in race six, the $120,000 Sportsbet City Of Adelaide Handicap (1529m) at 3.17pm SA time.
Manoel Nunes retains the ride on BAKEEL which has drawn barrier 11 in an acceptance of 16 with three emergencies.
The four-year-old has been very impressive in all three runs for ABR and the increased from 1400 metres to 1529 metres around the spacious main track is ideal.
BAKEEL opened a clear $2.50 favourite with Air Assault next in the market at $5 but strong support has pushed the ABR star into $2.20 with the latter easing to $5.50.
Bold running DUBAI FOCUS is our other Listed race hope contesting the $120,000 Sportsbet Port Adelaide Guineas (1800m), race nine at 5.10pm SA time.
Jason Holder will be in the saddle and the three-year-old has drawn gate two in a field of 15.
It is a tough contract to try and lead throughout around the spacious Morphettville circuit but expect DUBAI FOCUS to give his rivals something to chase.
The consensus after his last-start second was that perhaps he didn&rsquo;t bowl along in his comfort zone and was held back to the field. He certainly kept finding when challenged and expect him to bowl along.
Price assessors have DUBAI FOCUS third favourite at $5 behind the visitors Athanatos ($2.40 fav) and Conchiero ($4.40).
&nbsp;
HARNESS RACING UPDATE
ABR is well represented at Friday&rsquo;s Nutrien Equine Class Series finals at Melton in Melbourne.
Our two runners in the Listed $125,000 Three-Year-Old Fillies final (2240m) have both drawn the back row but hopefully can get good runs through and be competitive.
They, as are all the ABR runners, prepared by champion trainer Emma Stewart. It is race two at 6.03pm SA time.
IVSEENHEAVENSLIGHT will come from barrier nine, gate two on the second row, with Jackie Barker to drive while BEACH DIAMOND drew 12, five on the second line with Cameron Hart in the sulky.
As a two-year-old, IVSEENHEAVENSLIGHT ran second in the final to stablemate and ABR filly Miss Australiana which unfortunately broke down in the leadup to this year&rsquo;s series.
BEACH DIAMOND has won both her starts but is going to need a great drive by Hart to keep up her winning record.
Despite their back row draws, early markets indicate price assessors believe they will figure in the finish.
IVSEENHEAVENSLIGHT has opened $2.60 favourite ahead of stablemate Ill Be Gone at $3.50 and BEACH DIAMOND at $4.
FROLICNEARTHESEA is ABR&rsquo;s runner in the Listed $200,000 Two-Year-Old Fillies final (2240m), race five at 7.33pm SA time.
She has drawn wide again in gate five and will be driven by Mark Pitt.
The filly sat parked on debut last week and was too strong for her rivals and another tough effort will be needed in the final.
FROLICNEARTHESEA has opened at $4.40 with Conciliate in gate one at $1.85 then Willows Girl at $2.80 ahead of her in the market.
LETSSTARTINHEAVEN is ABR&rsquo;s starter in the Listed $200,000 Two-Year-Old Colts &amp; Geldings final (2240m).
He has drawn barrier eight, gate one on the second row which will give driver James Herbertson the opportunity to give him a &ldquo;cosy&rdquo; run before asking for a supreme effort over the final stages.
LETSSTARTINHEAVEN ran second on race debut in his semi-final and should be improved by that race experience.
ABR also has SHORELINE DREAM as the first emergency following his semi-final fifth last week.
He will carry saddlecloth 11 if he obtains a start coming from four on the second line.
Stablemate Cardigan Dan is $1.85 favourite with LETSSTARTINHEAVEN quoted at $21 and SHORELINE DREAM at $23.
On Saturday at Melton, BALBOA ROCK which has won his last two starts at Geelong and Cranbourne, comes from gate three in the Garrards Horse &amp; Hound Pace (2240m), race five at 7.40pm SA time. <img src="https://www.prism.horse/api/public/image/016f455109e34356af11cf67b9c3f625.jpg" alt="" width="300" />&nbsp;<img src="https://www.prism.horse/api/public/image/d8ee5e21305544be85b4e81cad1eb573.jpg" alt="" width="300" /> <img src="https://www.prism.horse/api/public/image/92e8872d63434e22ac7d5650927ef3b4.jpg" alt="" width="300" />

ABR Weekend Preview

Every good run eventually comes to an end, and such was the case at Morphettville Parks on Saturday when Aaron Bain Racing&rsquo;s fabulous run of metro successes was halted.
ABR is very proud that for nine successive city meetings we were able to come up with at least one winner and the challenge now is to be a prominent player during the upcoming Adelaide autumn carnival, starting this Saturday at Morphettville.
Trainers Aaron Bain and Ned Taylor believe the run of nine wins helped ensure the stable was now considered a significant training operation in South Australia.
It really was a marvellous March with 11 winners &ndash; 10 in the city! &ndash; at winning strike rate of 41% with seven placings as well at 67% placings to runners.
The winning run began the day after ABR&rsquo;s excellent Gala Dinner on Friday, February 7.
Trainer Aaron Bain said it was ironic that one of the Gala Dinner guests was champion jockey Damien Oliver who recalled winning on the mare EVERGLADE at her first race start at Moonee Valley in September, 2022.
Oliver said EVERGLADE could be a problem in the barrier stalls and that was the case on Saturday when she came out about six lengths behind the field losing any winning chance.
For ABR, the focus is always on the future, and we are now looking forward to securing our first black type winner.
There will be two chances at Morphettville on Saturday with former Singapore galloper BAKEEL contesting the Listed $120,000 City of Adelaide Handicap (1529m) while DUBAI FOCUS is scheduled to run in the Listed $120,000 Port Adelaide Guineas (1800m).
Firstly, ABR heads to Thomas Farms Murray Bridge on Wednesday with two runners.
BETSY&rsquo;S FLAG returns to racing in race five the Carlton Draught Benchmark 56 Handicap (900m) at 3.05pm SA time.
The five-year-old mare has drawn barrier 10 in an acceptance of 18 with four emergencies.
Manoel Nunes has been booked to ride.
BETSY&rsquo;S FLAG hasn&rsquo;t raced since failing at Gawler on October 25. She had no luck on debut for ABR at Morphettville Parks at her previous run.
Trainers Aaron Bain and Ned Taylor believe BETSY&rsquo;S FLAG runs very well fresh and opted no to trial her before resuming on Wednesday.
THERE GOES MY HERO heads into race seven, the Ranvet National Apprentice Race Series 2025 Rating 0-60 (1600m) at 4.15pm SA time.
Western Australian apprentice Zephen Johnston-Porter has the ride and can claim 3kg off his weight of 59.5kg.
THERE GOES MY HERO has gate eight in an acceptance of 17 with one emergency.
The distance and spacious Thomas Farms Murray Bridge circuit should suit the four-year-old who ran well when third at Oakbank at his most recent outing.
Johnston-Porter is the younger brother of successful WA jockey Clint and already has made his park in WA. Hopefully, ABR can give him a winner on Wednesday.
On the harness front, ABR had great success at Melton last Friday with the semi-finals of the Nutrien Equine Series with our team trained by Emma Stewart.
ABR looks to have a strong hand in this week&rsquo;s Listed $120,000 Nutrien Equine final for three-year-old fillies.
BEACH DIAMOND and IVSEENHEAVENSLIGHT won the two semi-finals, each in convincing fashion, and a deadheat this week would be the perfect result.
Cameron Hart drove BEACH DIAMOND which rated1:54.3 in a 12-metre win in the first semi-final, then IVSEENHEAVENSLIGHT recorded 1:55.1 in scoring easily by three metres for driver Jackie Barker.
In the two-year-old fillies semi-final, first starter FROLICNEARTHESEA produced an outstanding effort to sit parked and score for driver Mark Pitt.
She looks certain to improve with racing and looks a great chance in this week&rsquo;s final.
In the Two-Year-Old Colts &amp; Geldings first semi-final SHORELINE DREAM finished fifth then in the second, LETSSTARTINHEAVEN ran an encouraging second to stablemate Cardigan Dan, beaten five metres.
All roads lead to Melton on Friday for this week&rsquo;s finals.
Also on harness racing, on Sunday, trainer Aaron Bain has revealed a restructured model for 2025.
ABR&rsquo;s emphasis in SA will be preparing horses to be sent to Victoria and Emma Stewart in an attempt to capitalise on the good prizemoney in feature races, such as Friday night&rsquo;s Nutrien Equine finals.
There will be minimum horses prepared locally to race in SA.
For ABR it is about maximising return on investment.
Harness racing is still an important part of the ABR business, but nothing stays the same, and it is always about growing the business.
&nbsp;
ABR Weekend Star
Debut harness racing two-year-old FROLICNEARTHESEA was ABR&rsquo;s Weekend Star with her victory at Melton last Friday.
Contesting a heat of the Nutrien Equine Classic Race Series (1720m) for two-year-old fillies, FROLICNEARTHESEA came from gate six in her heat starting at $10 with her stablemate Willows Girl a red-hot $1.07 favourite.
Trained by Emma Stewart and driven by Mark Pitt, the filly sat parked, and despite racing greenly, powered home to win by two metres rating an excellent 1:56.4.
She looks a definite improver.
ABR also supplied the two heat winners for three-year-old fillies BEACH DIAMOND and IVSEENHEAVENSLIGHT, so we are looking forward to the Listed finals this Friday at Melton.

ABR Weekend Review

After an acceptance of five runners at Morphettville Parks on Saturday, Aaron Bain Racing is now down to just two starters in our attempt to notch a winner at 10 consecutive Adelaide metropolitan meetings.
ABR&rsquo;s excellent metro results in 2025 sees trainers Aaron Bain &amp; Ned Taylor sit sixth on the metropolitan premiership with 16 winners at an impressive strike rate of 20.5%.
For Saturday, the trainers, plus Racing Manager Will O&rsquo;Malley agreed it was not in the best interests of three of the acceptors to take their place.
So it is down to one or both of quality gallopers DUAL PRESSURE and EVERGLADE to notch that city win.
DUAL PRESSURE was a brilliant first-up winner for ABR at Morphettville on Adelaide Cup day and steps out in race one, the SkyCity Handicap (1250m) at 12.22pm SA time.
The four-year-old has drawn gate eight in a field of 10 which is another heat of the Festival State Sprint Series which culminates in a final next month.
With Jason Holder sidelined through suspension, ABR has been fortunate to secure top jockey Jake Toeroek to take the ride.
DUAL PRESSURE was ridden out of his comfort zone on March 10 but showed his class to win.
It is a tougher race on Saturday and price assessors opened DUAL PRESSURE the $3.90 equal favourite with Lets Get Down.
Within 24 hours, he was into $3.60 favourite with Lets Get Down at $3.70.
EVERGLADE runs in race five the Croser Handicap (1400m) at 2.42pm SA time.
The race is a heat of the Autumn In Adelaide Series.
Jake Toeroek will ride EVERGLADE which comes from gate nine in a field of 13.
The five-year-old mare ran very well first up when third over 1000 metres and is having her first attempt at 1400 metres.
Crucial will be her start as she has been a bit tricky in the barriers.
EVERGLADE opened at $5 but has firmed into $4.80 with the favourite The Journo at $4.
BULLET WING was also an acceptor but from gate 10 he looked certain to be trapped wide, and despite his love of the Parks track, it was decided to stay at home.
PACIFIC JEWEL, an impressive winner of her past two starts, drew terribly in gate 17 in race six the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Handicap (1550m).
Again, it was a draw which gave her no favours, so she has been scratched.
METRO LEGEND, accepted in race eight the Adelaide Galvanising Industries Handicap (1000m) but came up with gate 11 in a field of 13.
The draw made it near impossible for him to have a good run so he now may be saved for a race at Oakbank at Easter.
Saturday also sees Aaron Bain Racing move into race sponsorship sharing the naming rights with the highly successful Grand Syndicates of the final event at Morphettville Parks.
&nbsp;
Harness Racing
ABR steps out five horses at Melton on Friday in heats of the rich Nutrien Equine series for two and three-year-olds.
Our first runner will be SHORELINE DREAM in race two at 12.37pm SA time in heat one for two-year-old colts &amp; geldings.
The colt, trained by Emma Stewart and to be driven by James Herbertson will come from gate five in a field of six.
SHORELINE DREAM, by Downbytheseaside, is having his first start and has two other Stewart-trained runners opposed to him.
LETSSTARTINHEAVEN runs in heat two for the two-year-old colts &amp; geldings at 1.47pm SA time.
The colt also will be driven by James Herbertson for trainer Emma Stewart and has drawn barrier one in a field of six. Stewart also has two other runners in the heat.
The colt is by Rock N Roll Heaven and will be on debut.
BEACH DIAMOND is ABR&rsquo;s next runner in race five, the first heat for three-year-old fillies at 2.22pm SA time.
Trained by Emma Stewart, the filly will be driven by Cam Hart and comes from gate six in a field of seven.
BEACH DIAMOND was a winner of her only race start in Hobart on June 16 last year winning by 14.2 metres and rating 1:57.0.
IVSEENHEAVENSLIGHT returns to racing in race six, heat two for three-year-old fillies at 3.03pm SA time.
Another Emma Stewart-trained filly, she will be driven by Jackie Barker and comes from gate two in a field of six.
Barker drove IVSEENHEAVENSLIGHT when the filly won the Captain Crunch Super Series final at Melton on September 24 which was her last run.
ABR&rsquo;s final runner will be FROLICNEARTHESEA in race seven, heat one for two-year-old fillies at 3.42pm SA time.
The filly, by Downbytheseaside, will come from the outside of the front row, gate seven in a field of eight.
Mark Pitt will be in the sulky of the Emma Stewart-trained runner which is having her first start.

Aaron Bain Racing considers last Saturday&rsquo;s Morphettville meeting was quite significant in the growth of the business.
Yes, it was outstanding to record at least one metro winner for the past nine Adelaide meetings which attracts the publicity.
But as a business, ABR was proud of the fact we took eight runners to the meeting.
Think back six months and that would have been a pipe dream.
Saturday also showed the quality and depth of the stable.
Looking for our ninth consecutive metro winner, DUBAI FOCUS was odds-on to be that runner but while he ran well, had to settle for second.
RUBAMOS ran very well but also was second on the last stride bob of the head.
Promising SHADY THINKER was favourite to make it a hat-trick of wins but he had to be content with fourth, then ASIF finished midfield.
So it was left to WA owned BEACH PAD to take the step from provincial maiden company to city class and he provided our ninth to keep the run going.
Such has been the support and success of the ABR thoroughbred operation, that the business is now a regular participant at metro meetings.
There is no doubt the ability to train at the world-famous Angaston Park property of Wayne Mitchell has been a key in ABR&rsquo;s growth.
Since moving in last year in July, the ABR team has developed the right formula to prepare horses to give their optimum performance and it is working.
Credit to trainers Aaron Bain &amp; Ned Taylor, the key members Barend Vorster (Bloodstock Manager) and Will O&rsquo;Malley (Racing Manager) and the staff who are presenting every horse in fantastic order.
Trainer Aaron Bain had an excellent interview on &ldquo;Press Room&rdquo; with host David Fowler on Monday which is worth a listen if you get the opportunity.
With the SA Racing Autumn Carnival upon us, ABR looks forward to being a key player.
Firstly, ABR heads to Balaklava on Wednesday with two runners.
Former Victorian PIANTA steps out for the first time for ABR in race two, the Sportsbet Made It Look Easy Maiden (1400m) at 1.40pm SA time.
Apprentice Brooke King has been booked to claim 2kg and bring the gelding in just 1kg over the minimum drawing barrier five in a field of 12.
PIANTA hasn&rsquo;t raced since December 6 last year when he finished last at Moe in Victoria after leading up.
He has been placed at Mornington and Ballarat in staying races and has had one trial at Murray Bridge to prepare for a first up run.
MIDNIGHT HARRY is ABR&rsquo;s other runner in race seven the Matrix Solar Solutions Class One Handicap (1050m) at 4.35pm SA time.
Lachlan Neindorf will ride coming from barrier six in a field of 14 with two emergencies.
The four-year-old is having his first start after coming from the Sydney stables of David Payne.
MIDNIGHT HARRY won a Kembla Grange maiden at his last start in June last year and has trialled nicely for his first SA start.
ABR Weekend Star 
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Promising stayer BEACH PAD is ABR&rsquo;s Weekend Star.
Given a beautiful ride by Jason Holder, the four-year-old looked good in winning at Morphettville.
A maiden winner at Strathalbyn at his previous run, BEACH PAD took out the Winning Edge Presentations Benchmark 64 Handicap (2028m).
Well backed from $3.70 into $2.80, Beach Pad scored by a long neck from Shakespeare ($41) with High Torque ($101), 3-1/2 lengths away third.
Holder had the four-year-old away well from gate three and settled fifth on the inside behind a strong tempo.
BEACH PAD cruised up to behind the leaders on the home turn before Holder pulled him to the outside.
The gelding quickly claimed the lead and dashed clear, then had to withstand a late challenge but kept running strongly through the line.
Trainer Aaron Bain said BEACH PAD was a promising staying galloper.
&ldquo;His first couple were good then we stepped him out in distance,&rdquo; Bain said.
&ldquo;Full credit to the owner Geoff Evans, he loves his stayers, he has backed us in, and this horse looks progressive.
Winning jockey Jason Holder said BEACH PAD had run very well.
&ldquo;That was a great result,&rdquo; Holder said.
&ldquo;He raced a bit closer than I wanted to, but he was just travelling.
&ldquo;There was nothing wrong with the fence, so it worked out well.
&ldquo;I got to the front sooner than I wanted to, but he was strong, and we weren&rsquo;t going to run second. Actually, I might have gone too soon.
&ldquo;It might not have looked like it, but he did have to work hard to get up to the leaders, I was improving on him from around the 800-metre mark.
&ldquo;He was entitled to level out over the final stages. But it was a good win.&rdquo;

Promising middle distance galloper Beach Pad made the step up to city company with a strong victory at Morphettville on Saturday, March 29.
A maiden winner at Strathalbyn at his previous run, Beach Pad was given a gun ride by Jason Holder to take out the Winning Edge Presentations Benchmark 64 Handicap (2028m).
The win gave trainers Aaron Bain &amp; Ned Taylor an incredible 9th straight victory at the last nine Adelaide metro meetings.
Well backed from $3.70 into $2.80, Beach Pad scored by a long neck from Shakespeare ($41) with High Torque ($101), 3-1/2 lengths away third.
Holder had the four-year-old away well from gate three and settled fifth on the inside behind a strong tempo.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JlukUATV9DM" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe> Beach Pad cruised up to behind the leaders on the home turn before Holder pulled him to the outside.
The gelding quickly claimed the lead and dashed clear, then had to withstand a late challenge but kept running strongly through the line.
Trainer Aaron Bain said Beach Pad was a promising staying galloper.
&ldquo;His first couple were good then we stepped him out in distance,&rdquo; Bain said.
&ldquo;Full credit to the owner Geoff Evans, he loves his stayers, he has backed us in, and this horse looks progressive.
&ldquo;It is nice to keep the (winning) streak going and make it nine city meetings in a row.
&ldquo;Geoff has about eight horses with us and there are a few coming across from WA and one of them is Beach Pad&rsquo;s younger brother.&rdquo;
Winning jockey Jason Holder said Beach Pad had run very well.
&ldquo;That was a great result,&rdquo; Holder said.
&ldquo;He raced a bit closer than I wanted to, but he was just travelling.
&ldquo;There was nothing wrong with the fence, so it worked out well.
&ldquo;I got to the front sooner than I wanted to, but he was strong, and we weren&rsquo;t going to run second. Actually, I might have gone too soon.
&ldquo;It might not have looked like it, but he did have to work hard to get up to the leaders, I was improving on him from around the 800-metre mark.
&ldquo;He was entitled to level out over the final stages. But it was a good win.&rdquo;

Beach Pad

The continued growth of Aaron Bain Racing takes another step with our biggest representation at a metropolitan meeting at Morphettville on Saturday.
ABR has accepted with eight horses, but unfortunately, one is only an emergency.
Saturday&rsquo;s Morphettville meeting also sees ABR attempt to stretch our winning run at an Adelaide metro meeting to nine and hopefully we have the runners to make it happen.
The meeting also sees ABR with two runners in a black type race attempting to supply our first Listed win.
ABR&rsquo;s day starts in race one, the Sportsbet Fast Form Handicap (1600m), at 12.27pmn SA time when promising DUBAI FOCUS attempts to add to his picket fence of victories.
Jason Holder retains the ride drawing barrier four in a field of seven.
It will be interesting to see the tactics of rivals, but ABR knows DUBAI FOCUS loves to roll along, and his way of racing won&rsquo;t be changing.
The three-year-old has won his past two over 1400 metres around the Parks circuit, and on Saturday steps out to the 1600 around the spacious outer track.
DUBAI FOCUS has opened as a $2 favourite with the TAB with Snoopy Now second pick at $2.80.
RUBAMOS steps out in race two, The Fotobase Group Handicap (1600m) at 1.02pm SA time.
Apprentice Taylor Johnstone will in the saddle claiming 2kg and coming from gate five in a field of eight.
RUBAMOS finds himself opposed to strong rivals but has trained on well since his excellent first up second over 1400 metres on the Parks track on March 1.
He has opened at $6.50 with the TAB behind the $2.90 favourite A Samurai Mind.
The promising SHADY THINKER runs in race three, the Fleurieu Milk Company Handicap (1050m) at 1.37pm SA time.
A winner of his only two starts, the three-year-old has come up with barrier two in a field of nine and Jason Holder rides again.
SHADY THINKER won his maiden around the Morphettville Parks then scored again at Murray Bridge so the big main track at Morphettville should suit him ideally.
The three-year-old has opened as the $2.80 favourite with the TAB with the rest of the field between $6 and R$11.
Former Singapore galloper ASIF goes around in race four, the Sportsbet Adelaide Racing Carnival April 26 &ndash; May 10 Handicap (1100m) at 2.12pm SA time.
The race is heat five of the Festival Sprint Series in which ABR is already well represented.
Manoel Nunes rides the gelding which has drawn gate four in a field of 12.
ASIF was excellent on his debut for ABR running third over 1000 metres around the Parks track. He definitely will be suited by the larger main track and also the extra 100 metres.
Saturday&rsquo;s field is quite strong, but we would expect him to be very competitive.
ASIF has opened at $6.50 with the favourite Watchme Win at $3.70.
Stepping up in class is BEACH PAD which will run in race five, the Winning Edge Presentations Handicap (2028m) at 2.47pm SA time.
He has drawn barrier three in a field of 15 with one emergency and Jason Holder has the ride.
BEACH PAD was very impressive breaking his maiden at Strathalbyn on March 12 and the way he ran through the line indicates Saturday&rsquo;s track and trip will be ideal.
It is a much stronger race, but we would hope he would run well.
The TAB rates BEACH PAD quite highly and has him at $3.70 in early markets with the Victorian Fontaine Rouge favourite at $2.80.
ABR was disappointed NAVY GOLD, a winner of his last two starts, could only be named second emergency in race six, the Sportsbet Jockey Watch Handicap (1522m) at 3.22pm SA time.
He is number 15 in a field of 16 with three emergencies.
Manoel Nunes stays aboard, and NAVY GOLD has drawn barrier five.
The four-year-old has been a narrow, but good, winner of his past two starts at Oakbank and Murray Bridge and ABR felt the Morphettville track would be perfect for him.
Hopefully, he can obtain a start.
NAVY GOLD opened at just $7 with Spirit of Camelot the favourite at $2.10.
ABR&rsquo;s final two runners on Saturday are both ex-Singapore gallopers which step out in race seven, the Listed Sportsbet Matrice Stakes (1200m) at 3.57pm SA time.
GHALIB drew gate 13 in a field of 14 with Will Price to ride while MAKIN has barrier eight with Manoel Nunes in the saddle.
As you would expect, the Matrice is an extremely strong race, but ABR is excited to saddle up our pair.
GHALIB had no luck at his only run in the Listed Manihi Stakes and didn&rsquo;t finish that far behind the winner Sir Sway, one of his rivals again on Saturday.
The draw is no help but the five-year-old will take benefit from his last outing.
MAKIN has had two trials to ready him for his race return, the most recent a win over 1000 metres at Murray Bridge on March 14.
He had excellent form in Singapore last year running a close second in the Singapore Derby before finishing fourth in the Raffles Cup.
MAKIN is certainly a talented galloper, and we are looking forward to saddling him up in a tough company for his ABR debut.
The TAB believes the pair have tough contracts opening MAKIN at $15 with GHALIB at $23 behind the favourite Aviatress at $2.80.
On the harness front, incredibly, ABR&rsquo;s star two-year-old LOUCASSO has again drawn barrier nine at Bathurst on Saturday.
He had that draw when a brilliant winner last Friday night in his heat of the Gold Crown.
LOUCASSO now has gate nine again in the Group 1 $150,000 Hynash Group Gold Crown Final (1730m).
Trained by Emma Stewart and driven by James Herbertson, the colt rated a brilliant 1:55.4 in his heat win, basically just dashing up the sprint lane in the home straight.
That followed his easy win on race debut at Kilmore on February 27 rating a smart 1:57.4.
LOUCASSO obviously strikes a tougher field on Saturday with all the other heat winners, but he looks a good chance of remaining unbeaten.&nbsp;
Early markets have LOUCASSO as the $2.30 favourite just ahead of Rewatch ($2.80) which will come from barrier one. <img src="https://www.prism.horse/api/public/image/e8ab85cc7ee6423c8554d5c843cf0970.png" alt="" width="630" />

Man United Retires

Another double at Morphettville Parks on Saturday gives Aaron Bain Racing eight metropolitan winners from the last four meetings plus extended the Bain Train winning run to eight in a row.
Singapore-owned BAKEEL made it three straight for trainers Aaron Bain &amp; Ned Taylor since coming into the stable while OVEREXTEND score his second metro win this preparation.
The excellent results have given the Bain &ndash; Taylor partnership an amazing winning strike rate of 21% for metro races with the ABR horses running at 40% for placegetters.
ABR will have our biggest representation at a metro meeting this Saturday at Morphettville with an expected acceptance of eight.
With the Matrice Stakes and Clare Lindop Stakes on the program, it is the start of the Racing SA Autumn Carnival, so ABR will be hoping to continue producing winning results.
No runners for ABR on Wednesday at Strathalbyn, with the big focus on Saturday.
&nbsp;
Bathurst Gold Crown The ABR-owned LOUCASSO had little more than a dash up the sprint lane to win his heat of the Bathurst Gold Crown last Friday.
Starting a red hot $1.25 favourite, LOUCASSO, trained by Emma Stewart and driven by James Herbertson, rated 1:55.4 in winning easily.
He will line up this Saturday in the Group One $150,000 Gold Crown Final (1730m) and will be one of the best hopes &ndash; we just need a good draw.
&nbsp;
Man United 
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8a0c5Z9-4a4" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe>
It is with much disappointment ABR has to report the retirement of the highly-talented MAN UNITED.
Unfortunately, his issues with his feet are continuing to cause problems, so trainer Aaron Bain has decided to end his racetrack career.
MAN UNITED had just three starts after being purchased from New Zealand and won them all.
His first win was on May 9, 2023, and he rated 1:55.9 in an 18-metre win.
MAN UNITED then rated 1:56.8 demolishing his opposition scoring by 39 metres on June 19.
&nbsp;The gelding&rsquo;s injuries saw him sidelined until September 27 last year at Gawler when he overcame race issues to win by two metres in an amazing win rating 1:57.3.
It was hoped he could return to racing but sadly the injuries flared again, and retirement was the sensible option.
&nbsp;
ABR Weekend Star
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BRWVPd3oK78" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe> BAKEEL stood up again as ABR&rsquo;s Weekend Star.
The four-year-old has now won all three races since transferring from Singapore, stepping up in grade each time.
The Singapore-owned BAKEEL finished best in the Sportsbet Handicap (1400m) on Saturday.
Ridden by Manoel Nunes, the four-year-old, sensationally backed from $1.80 into $1.35 favourite, finished powerfully to score a half-length win from the front runner Nasho ($14) with Motorace ($21), 1-1/4 lengths away third.
&nbsp;Nunes had BAKEEL away nicely from gate two and settled one-out, one-back early.
The leader Nasho sprinted for home turning into the straight and grabbed a break on Bakeel, but Nunes started working on the gelding and reeled it in.
While the margin was only a half-length, BAKEEL was powerful over the final 200 metres to win well.
Trainer Aaron Bain said BAKEEL would now head to the Listed $130,000 City of Adelaide Handicap (1500m) at Morphettville on Saturday, April 12.
&ldquo;Nasho made him earn it today, but good horses find a way to win and that is what he did,&rdquo; Bain said.
&ldquo;We wanted to run today to go three weeks to the City of Adelaide.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve got through three from three, he has probably got just one more run in the prep, the City of Adelaide, it is his grand final.
&ldquo;It is likely he can have a break with a view to the Balaklava, Murray Bridge and Gawler Cups in the spring.
&ldquo;We think he will be stronger for a break but there are other options after the City of Adelaide should he come through it really well.
Winning jockey Manoel Nunes said it had been a good win by BAKEEL.
&ldquo;The Morphettville Parks track straight is a little bit shorter,&rdquo; Nunes said.
&ldquo;I had to had to get to work a little bit early.
&ldquo;He&rsquo;s done a great job and won quite comfortably.
&ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t need to ride him so hard so now we look forward to his next run in three weeks.&rdquo;

Bakeel

Aaron Bain Racing | Aaron Bain News 61392 Overextend

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Sat, Mar 22, 2025

BEGIN YOUR ABR JOURNEY

Aaron Bain Racing | Aaron Bain News 61392 Overextend

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Sat, Mar 22, 2025

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BEGIN YOUR ABR JOURNEY