Coolmore stalwart sire Pride of Dubai went painfully close to siring two Group I winners on Saturday with his evergreen superstars Pride of Jenni and Dubai Honour (IRE) going down by narrow margins in the Group I VRC Australian Cup (2000m) and Group I ATC Tancred Stakes (2400m), but in Adelaide he delivered a progressive new stakes-winner with a bright sprinting future.
The Tom Dabernig trained mare Shadhavar was Group placed last year and has been working into career best form in her current campaign.
A dominant last start winner of the Magic Millions SA 3YO & 4YO at Murray Bridge, Shadhavar was sent out favourite for the $120,000 Listed SAJC Matrice Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville and justified the faith of punters when racing clear for a comfortable length victory.
Ridden by Jacob Opperman, Shadhavar proved too good for stakes-winners Power Beau and Arkansaw Kid taking her overall record to five wins and four placings from 14 starts with prizemoney topping $309,000.
She was purchased by Prime Thoroughbreds boss Joe O'Neill for $85,000 at the 2023 Adelaide Yearling Sale from the draft of The Chase and is going to be a very valuable asset for her owners in the future when her racing days are done.
Bred by China Horse Club, Shadhavar is the best of two winners from well related Sebring mare Cross Legend, a winning half-sister to Group II winner Thronum and SW Cythera from the family of champion sires Street Cry and Shamardal.
Shadhavar is the 24th stakes-winner for Pride of Dubai, who is one of the best value sires in Australia given his ability to produce a champion.
