German import Schabau has registered his first win in two-and-a-half years with an all-the-way win at Flemington.
Under Brett Prebble, Schabau scored his first win since taking out the Listed Royal Higgins Quality (2600m) at Flemington in March 2019 when successful in Saturday’s 2021 County Achiever John Ledger (2530m).
The win in 2019 was Schabau’s third on end and the son of Pastorius was being talked of a spring contender later that year.
But a tendon injury forced the now seven-year-old to the sidelines for 14 months.
Five runs during 2020 resulted in two minor placings for the Robert Hickmott-trained galloper who after running sixth in the Group 3 Hotham Handicap (2500m) was again sent for surgery, this time to remove bone chips from a fetlock while also being gelded.
At his second run back and despite getting tired on the line, Schabau held on to defeat Killourney by a long-head with One More Try three-quarters-of-a-length away third.
Hickmott said Schabau was slightly underdone heading into Saturday’s assignment.
“He got tired late but he was entitled to,” Hickmott said.
“He had a pretty interrupted week this week with no gallop on Tuesday due to surface water on the course proper at Caulfield.
“We had to do a little bit on the treadmill with him as I didn’t want to work him on the Polytrack, so there’s plenty of improvement for the horse to come.
“It was good that he lasted but a little bit scary late.”
Hickmott said Schabau would return to Flemington for another 2500m race on September 11 before the first of his spring targets, the Group 3 The Bart Cummings (2510m) at Flemington on October 2.
Success in The Bart Cummings will give Schabau a ballot exemption into the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 2.
