Shibli shines in Brisbane
Another oneof Go Racing’s European imports in Shibli delivered a strong finish when second up on Saturday to win his 1615m contest at Doomben.
Ridden perfectly by James Orman, Shibli jumped away well before drifting back to settle three back, on the fence where he travelled well throughout.
The son of Muhaarar picked up some ground from the 600m mark and angled out approaching the bend, coming wide as they straightened. He let down nicely in the straight and the strength of Orman negated the fact Shibli was carrying 5kg more than the runner up.
Orman was very happy with Shibli’s effort and said he has come back in great fashion this preparation.
“It worked out really good for us in the small field,” he said. “I was able to keep rallying up the fence and I got out early enough and it was a good win.”
Shibli is another successful purchase for Go Racing out of the Tattersalls Horses in Training Sale, the largest of its type in the world. He joins the likes of Mubariz and Skyman as European imports to prove their worth once arriving on Australian shores and he looks to have more wins in store. He put the writing on the wall when finishing an unlucky fourth last start and yesterday’s win takes his career earnings past the A$250,000 mark.
It is likely that Shibli will race in three week’s time at Eagle Farm over 1600m.
Meanwhile recently crowned NSW Queen of the Autumn Atishu resumed in the Gr.2 Sheraco Stakes at Rosehill Gardens. The six-year-old Savabeel mare finished fifth and was desperately unlucky after striking traffic troubles in the straight just as she was building a full head of steam.
Ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, she jumped well from barrier seven and was immediately switched off in a rearward position as the field settled into stride. Coming to the bend she was awkwardly-positioned but continued to gather momentum as she had to be excused off heels with 200m to run but to her credit, she was able to overcome that and produce a terrific finishing burst to finish just 1.96 lengths off the winner.
Go Racing principal Albert Bosma was rapt with Atishu’s return and agreed with rider Kerrin McEvoy that it was a terrific run over the sprint distance.
“She was just starting to get right into her work when the gap closed on her and I do believe she could have been right in the finish with an uninterrupted run,” Bosma said. “Nonetheless, it is great to see her come back so well and I have no doubt she will be competitive in some of the big races throughout spring and summer. The prizemoney available in Australia is just terrific and Atishu could have a very lucrative season in front of her.”
A path is yet to be mapped out for Atishu though her targets could include the A$1,500,000 Gr.1 Epsom Handicap at Royal Randwick on the 30th of September and the A$1,000,000 Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes at Flemington on the 4th of November.