The Daily Wrap

6 min read

Shinju breaks through in dramatic fashion

Patience may end up paying for James Harron and his connections in Shinju (Written Tycoon) after the 3-year-old pulled off an improbable maiden win on Gosford.

Shinju was a $650,000 buy for Harron at the 2017 Magic Millions Sale but had not broken through for a win in six starts for Peter and Paul Snowden.

At the turn of the straight in Thursday's 1200m race, it looked assured that it would be seven winless runs, with Shinju last and seemingly struggling in the soft conditions.

But under the urgent persuasion of James McDonald, Shinju found his legs late, charging to the line and getting up in the last stride in spectacular fashion.

Shinju was originally bought as a weanling for $140,000, the re-offered via Widden draft 12 months later where he fetched $650,000.

His dam Pearl Goddess (NZ) is a half-sister to G2 winner Mini Pearl. Pearl Goddess's filly by Rubick sold for $150,000 to Ciaron Maher at this year's Magic Millions Sale.

Winx picture perfect

All is picture perfect with Winx (Street Cry {IRE}) ahead of her title defence of the G1 Turnbull S., at Flemington on Saturday.

She will be opposed by nine rivals in the Turnbull and Waller says it will take a champion to beat her in what is likely to be her last appearance at Melbourne's premier track.

“Mentally she's perfect and physically she's picture perfect,” Waller said.

“We take photos of our horses every Monday, 52 weeks of the year and we compared it to her photo last year and if anything her coat is a little more advanced. She's shining and ready to perform.”

Waller said he had not yet had a good look at the Turnbull field but, as always, was concentrating on getting Winx there in the best order possible.

“She hasn't got the world's best rating for nothing but we just need to make sure that she stays the same and she'll hold that rating.

“So it will only take a champion to beat her, or a day where she's no longer as dominant as she has been, but there's certainly been no sign of that.

“Luck in running is always a big part and we have respect for other runners and other jockeys, so we'll go into the race preparing that way and hopefully she does the rest.”

Following in Dad’s footsteps

Dealmaker will be out to emulate his sire at Randwick on Saturday when he steps out in the G1 Moet & Chandon Spring Champion S.

He will have to overcome a slight set-back in his build-up if he is to replicate the 2012 victory of Dundeel (NZ) (High Chaparral {IRE}).

“He's had a chequered preparation,” trainer Chris Waller said. “He had a slightly elevated temperature and went to the paddock for a few days, but has since returned a normal blood profile and has trialled since.”

Dealmaker has won one of his five starts for an ownership team that includes Denise Martin’s Star Thoroughbreds.

A $160,000 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale purchase, he is out of Sport Chic (Redoute’s Choice) and is from the family of the G1 Irish Oaks winner Lailani (GB) (Unfuwain {USA}).

Meanwhile in Queensland, Waller’s Gold Coast stable will present Soldati (Better Than Ready) on debut in the Cory Johnston 50th Anniversary.

The colt, who is raced by some of Waller's biggest clients including Noel Greenhalgh, Max Whitby and Peter Tighe, is QTIS eligible and will bank more than $65,000 if he wins on Saturday.

Soldati was a $47,500 buy at the Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale with the South African Group 1 winner Toccata (NZ) (Maroof {USA}) featuring on his pedigree page.

Melbourne on Scott Base’s radar

A trip to the Melbourne spring carnival will be on the line when Scott Base (NZ) (Dalghar {FR}) steps out in this weekend’s G1 Livamol Classic at Hastings.

“But the horse needs to prove himself first. He needs to put his hand up on Saturday,” co-trainer Johno Benner said.

Races in mind for Scott Base are G1 Cantala S., at Flemington on November 3 and the G1 Mackinnon S., a week later.

Scott Base won the NZ$1 million Karaka Million 3YO Classic last season, in which he beat the pre-post Livamol favourite Savvy Coup (NZ) (Savabeel).

“You can never underestimate what he’s capable of. I’ve had unwavering faith in this horse and I think he can win, even with Savvy Coup in the field,” Benner said.

“He’s been a victim of the way the track has played on the first two days and he’s cost himself by being a bit tardy coming from the barriers.

“It’s been no fault of Vinnie’s (jockey Vinnie Colgan), but he hasn’t been able to get clear at the right time.

“But if this horse can get clear air, and as long as they are able to come wide to swoop and win with the way the track is playing, then I won’t be worried if he does get back.

“He’s a class act and I’m absolutely thrilled with the work he’s had. He’s moving great and looks terrific. He’s absolutely primed for Saturday.”

Scott Base as a yearling

Club establishes ATC Foundation

The Australian Turf Club has established the ATC Foundation to oversee collections and programmes for charitable organisations as a further show of support of racing and local communities across Sydney.

From this Saturday, The TAB Everest charity pins will go on sale at ATC racecourses for $10, with all profits directed to drought relief.

“ATC Foundation was the concept of our former Chairman Laurie Macri who first championed this initiative under our Community Engagement program,” ATC Chairman Matthew McGrath said.

“The Board and I are very pleased to see the initial fundraising effort will support drought relief and also reach racing communities across NSW.”

The funds raised will be in addition to the $1 million drought relief fund established by Racing NSW.

“The thousands of people coming to see The TAB Everest will have a chance not only to support their favourite horse, but also our farmers and participants in the bush by buying an Everest charity pin for $10,” Racing NSW CEO Peter V’landys AM said.

Sam White joins Ciaron Maher Racing

Ciaron Maher Racing has today announced their newest addition to the team, Sam White in the role of Sales & Marketing Executive. Sam was previously at Coolmore where he spent three and a half years in the role of Nominations & Client Relations.

Ciaron Maher said “We are delighted to have Sam join us at a time when the stable is expanding rapidly. Sam brings great passion, experience and knowledge of the industry and its participants to bolster even further an already impressive team. It’s so important to ensure we have every part of the business working well, so he is a great addition.”

Sam's role will maintain the focus on delivering an exceptional level of service to existing owners and business partners, whilst also assisting the business to develop new relationships.