'I was delighted with the way he went today because it was such a dominating performance,' enthuses Moore
Gifted sprinter Anabatik put himself forward as an International Sprint contender in December with a commanding first-up performance under topweight of 133 pounds in yesterday's feature race at Sha Tin.
The son of Anabaa - Europe's premier sprinter of 1992 - made mincemeat of his rivals despite having to carry an impost that has stopped many a proven Class One horse before him, leaving trainer John Moore suitably impressed.
Moore, who is dominating the early stages of the trainers' premiership table in much the same way Anabatik handled his rivals yesterday, lauded the performance of the four-year-old but was mildly critical of his own.
'I have to admit I did stick it to him a bit last season and, on reflection, it was perhaps a bit tough on the horse to go into the International Sprint [won by All Thrills Too] so early in his career,' Moore said. 'He did very well to make the international race and acquitted himself well [for fifth] but it did take a toll on him. He was, after all, only a spring three-year-old and he was racing against the very best.
'But he's enjoyed his break from racing and has come back really well. I was delighted with the way he went today because it was such a dominating performance. Glyn had him travelling wide on the track, which was the right place to be, and he always looked to have them covered. Not many horses win in Class One with 133 pounds on their back,' he added.