Following a second-place finish to Rough Entry in the 2023 Mouttet Mile, Ability made a triumphant return in his seasonal debut on Saturday, January 27, 2024.
Under the care of trainer Patrick Lynch, Spencer skilfully rode Ability to victory by one and three-quarter lengths in the race for imported three-year-olds and upward (non-winners of three) combined with native-bred three-year-olds and four-year-olds (non-winners of four), covering 7 furlongs (1,400m) in 1:29.0 (with splits of 23.4, 46.2, and 1:12.2).
Settling comfortably in the middle of the pack down the backstretch, Ability made a strategic move for the lead as they approached the bend, securing a comfortable win towards the finish. Norblar, ridden by Christopher Mamdeen, took second place while Rejected Raja with Shavon Townsend in the saddle came in third.
Reflecting on his strategy, Spencer said, “I rode Ability exactly as Mr Lynch instructed—patiently. There was no need to be overly aggressive; I knew he would respond when prompted. So I held back until reaching the half-mile marker before asking him to accelerate. By the three-furlong mark, he had effortlessly taken command. He's an exceptional horse—strong, pleasant, and truly outstanding.”
