A promising four-year-old gelding named El Qasabi is set to make a highly anticipated return at the Hawkesbury meeting on Thursday, following a challenging start to his racing career. Trained by David Pfeiffer at Warwick Farm, El Qasabi has not raced since mid-June, when he finished a distant third at the same track after encountering early interference.
El Qasabi’s debut was equally disappointing, having been heavily backed at $2.15 from an initial $2.80 but ultimately finishing with a combined loss of nine lengths across his two starts. His connections decided to give him a break to regroup and prepare for his next outing, which will take place in a Maiden Plate over 1100 meters at Hawkesbury.
El Qasabi Faces Competition from Sassy Abbey
In this upcoming race, El Qasabi is expected to contend with fellow Warwick Farm filly Sassy Abbey for early favoritism. The gelding showed promise in his preparation, winning the second of two lead-up trials, hinting that he may return as a stronger competitor.
El Qasabi is sired by the prolific UK stallion Calyx, a Group 2 winner known for producing quality runners. As he prepares to step back into the spotlight, his connections are hopeful for a better performance that reflects his breeding and training.
Meanwhile, another notable contender at Hawkesbury is Format, trained by the renowned duo Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott at Randwick. Format boasts an impressive pedigree, being sired by the unbeaten superstar Frankel, widely regarded as one of the greatest racehorses of all time. His dam, Nechita, was a top-class sprinter who achieved three victories from four starts, including the prestigious 2012 Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes.
Format and the Benchmark 64 Handicap Challenge
Format will compete in the Benchmark 64 Handicap over 2000 meters, marking his second start since last autumn. While he has strong bloodlines, the race is expected to be competitive, showcasing several capable horses in what is anticipated to be one of the more open races on the eight-race card.
The Hawkesbury meeting offers a platform for both El Qasabi and Format to showcase their abilities, and with their impressive pedigrees, the anticipation surrounding their performances is palpable. Racing enthusiasts and owners alike are eager to see if El Qasabi can overcome his earlier setbacks and if Format can live up to his illustrious lineage.
For full form and race replays, visit racingnsw.com.au.
