Brenton Avdulla’s confidence in Howmuchdoyouloveme has never wavered despite a controversial year.
And the talented sprinter rewarded Avdulla’s faith yet again when he won Saturday’s Lightning Handicap (1000m) at Eagle Farm.
“He’ll always have a special place in my heart and even though he had plenty of weight I thought he was pretty well placed in that company,” he said.
Howmuchdoyouloveme, Brenton Avdulla - Photo by Daniel Costello
“Don’t forget he’s raced horses of the calibre of Black Caviar and Epaulette and there were no horses of that quality to worry about today.”
Howmuchdoyouloveme ($13) was having his first start for Tina Cotsiopoulos after previous trainer Con Karakatsanis was disqualified nine months for conspiring and intending to stomach tube the gelding on the morning of the Yellowglen Stakes at Flemington in November.
Stewards allowed Howmuchdoyouloveme to start in the Yellowglen but the gelding could finish only eighth as a $3.10 favourite.
Avdulla believes the four-year-old’s win was a timely boost.
“The 1000 metres isn’t really his go but he’s simply all class,” Avdulla said.
“When he steps up to 1200 metres or even a bit further he’ll be even better suited and he should gain plenty of confidence from that win.”
Cotsiopoulos said Howmuchdoyouloveme would have his next start in the Healy Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm on June 22.
