AHMED TAIBA
EMOTIONS and anticipation will be at a premium at Melton tonight when Stefsbest takes his first step towards the ultimate goal.
Engaged in a Ladbrokes Australian Pacing Gold heat, the colt is chasing a berth in the $322,000 Final, which is scheduled to be conducted at Tabcorp Park Menangle on April 29.
Like all connections, everyone associated with Stefsbest will be thrilled to capture the rich decider, but in the two-year-old’s case, prizemoney plays second fiddle to their motive.
A well-bred youngster, Stefsbest is named after trainer Ahmed Tabia’s nephew, who died in tragic circumstances several years ago.
“He is named after Haas’ son, who was killed tragically a couple of years ago when only 18,” Taiba said. “We’ve been waiting until we got the right horse to hold and carry his legacy and we’re confident we’ve found the right one.
“I’ve got a high opinion of him, and of all the Ladbrokes APG horses which have passed through my stable and into this series, such as Sushi Sushi, Ghadabest and Bus To Harland, he is right up there with them.
“I’m confident he is capable of winning a Group race and doing his namesake proud.
“We will learn more about him tonight, but I am looking forward to it.”
A debut second at Cranbourne a fortnight ago when starting from the second row, Stefsbest has drawn to lead from the pole, with Taiba issuing an ominous warning.
“We’ll be trying to lead at all costs and adopt a take no prisoners approach,” Taiba said. “If someone can sit outside him and beat him, good luck to them, but we won’t go home wondering.”
By Sportswriter from Smyrna Duruisseau, the all-American bred freshman is a half-brother to multiple Group One winner, Follow The Stars, which annexed the 2014 APG Final at Melton.
