Karaka Sprint Quinella in Melbourne

Two Karaka graduates fought out the finish to the Listed A$121,500 ATA/Bob Hoysted Handicap (1000m) on Saturday with Adamantium (NZ) (Elusive City) victorious over Pago Rock (Rock of Gibraltar) by a head.

Adamantium (NZ) victorious in the Listed ATA/Bob Hoysted Handicap at Flemington.

It was the second stakes victory for Adamantium on the straight course at Flemington, following his Group 3 Standish Handicap win last season over 1200m for trainer Danny O’Brien.

The Karaka Select Sale graduate jumped well for rider Craig Williams and was near the pace in the early running of the 1000m dash. Williams let the son of Elusive City increase the tempo mid-race and as the field crossed onto the course proper the pair found themselves several lengths in front.

Adamantium drifted down to the inside rail from the middle of the track and had to fight hard to the line as strong challenges came down the outside, notably the fast finish of Pago Rock who closed to be within a head at the finishing post with Couldn't Agreemore (Not a Single Doubt) also closing for third.

“We have always had a good opinion of Adamantium, he is reasonably high-class sprinter,” commented O’Brien. “He had a couple of issues in the spring that stopped him getting to his best form.

“It is great to see him come back to form and put the problems behind him to show us his best form. He has always raced well at home as well.

“He was in the Select Sale at Karaka and was a standout on type, he was a beautiful yearling hence why he made $250,000. He has been a good investment for the owners, they have had a lot of fun with him and he hasn’t done a lot of racing in the last two years so hopefully there is a fair bit in front of him.

“He will probably go to another listed race in a few weeks’ time and long range we will look to get him over to Adelaide for the Goodwood.”

The five-year-old gelding has won five races from 23 starts, earning A$428,490 in prizemoney for his owners Mr R Smith, Mr B L Mathieson, Mr H J Mackley & Mr J B Parncutt.

Bred by H J Mackley, Adamantium is out of the unraced mare Della Mimosa (Generous) who is a half-sister to the stakes winner Pottinger (Al Hareb). Adamantium is by Elusive City who also sired this year’s $1m Karaka Million winner Vespa.

O’Brien Thoroughbreds purchased Adamantium for $250,000 from Haunui Farm at the 2010 Karaka Select Sale, the top price at the Sale that year.