GHADASTAR Photo by Stacey Lear
TALENTED filly Ghadastar has become Australian Pacing Gold’s latest classic winner.
Stretching her record to four wins and five placings from 13 starts, the Ahmed Taiba-trained daughter of Art Major captured last night’s Tasmania Oaks in Hobart.
With Troy McDonald holding the reins, Ghadastar was beaten for early speed from the pole as local star Ideal Bliss found the lead from barrier three.
Despite working hard in the ‘death seat’, the three-year-old proved too strong along the home straight, scoring from Giftofjoy and Ideal Bliss in 2:03.6 over 2579 metres.
“She is right at her peak and is getting better as she goes along,” trainer Ahmed Taiba said. “That was her first time over the longer trip and she did it while sitting in the breeze.”
Taiba has set his sights on the Victoria Oaks, which he says will be an interesting test for the three-year-old.
Heats of the Blue Riband are scheduled to be held at Tabcorp Park Melton on April 21, with the $150,000 Final the following week.
“I’m not sure she is right up there with the top ones, but with the heats in our back yard, we might as well put her in and see how she goes,” Taiba said.
“It means she will be thrown in the deep end, but we’ll never know how she measures up if we don’t try.”
