More Stakes Success for Nicconi’s Faatinah

Nature Strip might be the flagship sprinter for his sire Nicconi, but evergreen seven year-old Faatinah still has plenty more to give judging by his all the way win in the Listed MVRC Ranvet Abell Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Friday night.

Foaled and raised at Yarraman Park for Sheikh Hamdan’s Shadwell Stud, Faatinah is always a good horse fresh and appreciated a drop in grade at his second run back from a spell after a below par run in the Group I MRC Oakleigh Plate.

Trained by the Hayes / Dabernig partnership at Lindsay Park, Faatinah led all the way from gate one and was never in danger, coasting clear under Damien Oliver for an easy two length win.

“He was able to dictate the tempo and he loves this track, so he won well,” said Damien Oliver.

Faatinah has the overall record of nine wins and 10 placings from 40 starts with prizemoney topping $1.3 million.

“He’s an old warrior for the yard and he’s my favourite horse as I’ve taken him to Dubai twice and he’s won both times,” said a very happy Ben Hayes.

“He’s a rhythm horse and he just got into that rhythm tonight.”

A two time Group II winner previously, Faatinah is a half-brother to stakes-placed Jalsah and is the best of five winners from imported Danehill mare Alqwah (IRE), who comes from the family of NZ Horse of the Year King’s Chapel.

Alqwah has a yearling colt by Faatinah’s sire Nicconi, who has been enjoying a strong sales season with 15 yearlings selling on 2020 for $100,000 or more.