A syndicator's job of keeping owners' expectations in check can be difficult at the best of times, but Jason Abrahams' ability to temper those of Target In Sight's stakeholders didn't need a lot of work after the horse's "near death scenario".
Remarkable comeback: Target In Sight suffered a blood infection which almost killed him. Photo: Getty Images
Riddled with a blood infection which had vets warning Champion Thoroughbreds and trainer Joe Pride the horse's survival chances were "touch and go", Target In Sight wasn't expected to do much when he resumed in the Star Kingdom Stakes three weeks ago. That he was there was a minor miracle in itself.
"No one knows [how he got infected], but it just popped up and in a regular vet check they noticed he was lame and took him to Randwick Equine Centre that day and operated on him," Champion Thoroughbreds' Abrahams said.
"It was touch and go for a couple of weeks. Even at the beginning of the prep the vets were saying: 'Don't expect this horse to get to the races, basically the percentages are against you'. It's been a really long hard road back for him from a near death scenario."
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Target In Sight is back though. Maybe better than ever on the evidence of a flashing light second to Malaguerra, an All Aged Stakes fancy at Randwick on Saturday, in the Star Kingdom Stakes.
Their paths won't cross this time - Target In Sight will hope to cap a big day for Champion Thoroughbreds in the group 2 Hall Mark Stakes on the same card - but both will be worth watching. Target In Sight was a $5.50 second favourite with Ladbrokes on Friday.
"To get him back and run well first-up ... we just told all the owners just be thankful the horse is actually here today," Abrahams said. "If he runs well that's a bonus. He got beaten, but no one was disappointed at all. They were just stoked he was there. Everyone is thankful he's still alive and being able to race and be competitive."
A syndicator's best advertisement is success on the racetrack, particularly for one which has spread its reach in recent times.
Matt Dale, John Sargent and Ron Quinton will also have horses carrying Champion's red and white colours next season to add to the union the syndicator has secured with Victorian-based Matchem Racing.
"Joining forces is good in a way because we've introduced some cardio testing and genetic testing into all our purchases which will hopefully give us a little bit more consistency in what we buy," Abrahams said.
"We've kind of tried to introduce new trainers because we've got clients who just want to be at Randwick, some that want to be at different locations so this year we've made a conscious effort to introduce Matt Dale into the equation as well as John Sargent and Ron Quinton.
"It's growing and building slowly. Hopefully if the colours keep going well that can keep going."
Group-winning mare Ammirata will have the distinction of dropping from a stakes win to a Benchmark 83 when she resumes at Randwick en route to features at Hawkesbury and Scone.
"She really just kept stepping up last prep," Abrahams said. "The group 3 she won [Belle Of The Turf] was really a benchmark 80 race anyway. I think the handicapper thought the same because he didn't really penalise her for winning it.
"But the form out of the race has been great so maybe we're not giving her enough credit against that field. She's always really good fresh and she's got a great first-up record."