Despite Defeat Fabergino Draws Praise
25 June, 2018
Thoroughbred
Boom filly Fabergino suffered a surprising defeat on the weekend, but she lost no standing in the eyes of her trainer, Tiarnna Robertson.
Robertson was full of praise for Fabergino, who as an easing favourite, ran third to the well-backed Ambiente in the Tabtouch Handicap (1000m).
It was Fabergino’s first loss after she displayed blistering pace to lead and win her previous four races in scintillating fashion at Ascot and Belmont.
But on Saturday, Fabergino lacked her trademark brilliance and the anticipated speed battle against Super Maxi failed to deliver on pre-race hype.
Super Maxi burst to the front easily with Fabergino, racing outside her comfort zone, forced to settle in fourth position by jockey, Peter Knuckey.
Fabergino ran the race out solidly, finishing two lengths shy of Ambiente, who had a dream run on the fence behind the leaders.
Robertson said despite the loss, she was full of praise for Fabergino.
“I think she put in a huge run,” Robertson told Tabradio.
“Obviously we knew we were not going to get it too easy against the older horses.
“She was racing outside of her comfort zone and she finished the race out strongly.
“When she races against the two and three-year-olds she can do it from start to finish and that is how she breaks their hearts.
“We knew the older horses would put the pressure on and had the strength to beat her to the front.
“We know with more time and maturity she will be up with them.
“It would have been nice to see her lead, but she didn’t get there with them.
“She still ran well and I think it was a huge effort.”
Robertson plans to spell Fabergino before targeting feature races towards the end of the year.
She says she is looking forward to Fabergino returning to Ascot.
“We’re excited to see her later in the year at Ascot where she really races well and hopefully winning a lot more races.” Robertson said.
“She won’t have her usual three months out, she will have a six week spell.
“Hopefully she will be back in time for a couple of nice races in the spring.”
Julio Santarelli