Classic hopeful Timeforshowcasing became the first filly to win the Listed BetMGM Burradon Stakes as she gamely repelled Padraig Dawn in the opening contest of All-Weather Championships Finals Day at Newcastle.
The daughter of Showcasing had been handed entries in the English and Irish 1,000 Guineas on the back of a promising juvenile campaign for Charlie Johnston but was sent off a 25/1 chance despite being the second highest-rated in the field with a mark of 101.
Settled in third by Callum Shepherd, Timeforshowcasing moved up to head Jel Pepper entering the final furlong and responded well when Padraig Dawn (18/1) challenged in the final strides, with a neck separating the duo at the line. Andab (7/4F) kept on to take third, a further two and half lengths in arrears.
Charlie Johnston said: “Timeforshowcasing travelled into it really well, and I thought between the three and the two that she would win quite comfortably. Then one came to close her down and I thought she would get headed, but she has battled back well.
“Timeforshowcasing is a big girl – a strapping filly – and that’s why we always thought whatever she did last year was going to be a bonus because she was always going to be a better three-year-old. I am sure she will improve a little bit, but she has done plenty of work and was ready for today.
“She is a filly we have always loved. I could not understand what everyone else knew that I didn't, as her price drifted and drifted all morning. Callum had a sit on her last week and we felt she was in great form coming here. I am delighted – some big black type and a good pot to win.
“What is next will be up to the owners. They tend to be ambitious when it comes to these type of horses. She has the Guineas entry, and I would not be shocked if she turned up there, but that is a conversation for when the dust has settled.
“She is quite upright in front, which is why we got her so cheaply [for 15,000 guineas] as a yearling – upright in front, couldn’t walk, and that put everybody else off. But from the knees up she is gorgeous, so we were quite happy to take her!”
Shepherd said: “I was thrilled with her - I could not speak highly enough of her. She jumped the cleanest of them; everyone was looking for a lead, so I took us over to the rail. Jel Pepper took the initiative and from there it was very comfortable.
“She travelled away lovely. I thought when they drew up, I would kick Hector [Crouch] two lengths, and then she has probably waited for them a fraction in front, but crucially she has gone again. I knew she had flicked an ear, so on that basis I was hopeful she had more to give, and she certainly did. She has all the attributes to make up into a lovely horse and certainly justifies those entries.”
Charlie Pike, trainer of Padraig Dawn, said: “Brilliant. That was his second start. We knew we had a nice horse but, until he has proved it on the racecourse, you are in the unknown a bit. He has shown a good bit of ability there. It is very exciting as we are early on in the season and there is a lot to look forward to.”
His jockey Edward Greatrex added: “Padraig Dawn ran really well. He is still very green and lacks a bit of experience, but he will come on again for the run. Hopefully, he is a nice prospect.”
On where Padraig Dawn may go next, Pike said: “Not sure yet. There are a few things pencilled in, but that is a conversation I will have with [the owners] Gary and Niall.”
Andab’s rider Billy Loughnane said: “He ran well, no excuses, a good run.”
1.15pm BetMGM Burradon Stakes (Listed)
1 Timeforshowcasing (Jaber Abdullah) Charlie Johnston 3-8-13 Callum Shepherd 25/1
2 Padraig Dawn (Niall Keating & Gary Gillies) Charlie Pike 3-9-04 Edward Greatrex 18/1
7 ran 7/4F Andab (3rd)
Charlie Johnston – 3rd Finals Day winner
Callum Shepherd – 1st Finals Day winner
