Bargain-buy Adirondack set for Wagga glory
Victorian stayer Adirondack is poised to snare a major end of the prize in the Wagga Wagga Gold Cup.
Since entering the stables of Cranbourne trainer Shawn Mathrick this preparation, the five-year-old gelding by Lonhro has proven a gilt-edged buy.
Mathrick purchased the former Godolphin galloper for $16,000 at a tried-horse sale.
And in eight starts for his new stable, Adirondack has already won four races.
“He was a steal,” Mathrick, who races Adirondack with his wife Kim, said.
“Before we bought him I had a look at his form and he’d shown ability but for some reason just wasn’t performing and trained off.
“My old man always said good horses don’t lose their ability, just form.
“I just think coming to a paddock environment at Cranbourne, free range when he can kick about in a big yard has made the difference. His mind is relaxed.”
Adirondack is the second horse Mathrick has purchased from Godolphin. The other horse was Gig.
“He won at Flemington and was six-times Listed or Group placed,” Mathrick said.
Adirondack is coming off a highly impressive five-length win last start in the VOBIS Gold Heath, a 2000m race at Caulfield on April 16.
The five-year-old is the $5 second favourite behind Messene to win Friday’s $150,000 race.