Shiota a shock 33/1 winner of Blackwater handicap In a race where two horses stood out at the head of the betting market, it was the 33/1 Joseph Murphy trained Shiota who came out best when staying on strongly to win the Naas Racecourse Business Club Blackwater Handicap. Recent winners Mississippi River and Scott Key headed the betting but it was the relatively unconsidered daughter of Tamayuz who upside the odds. Held up towards rear by Gary Carroll, the filly who had won her maiden here last season, was produced from off the pace to lead over two furlongs out. Mississippi River came through to throw down a strong late challenge inside the final furlong but was unable to get to Shiota who kept on to win by three-quarters-of-a-length. The winner drifted right inside the final furling but survived a stewards enquiry. Scott Key held every chance early in the straight before weakening over a furlong from the finish. Joe Murphy junior, son and assistant, “She’s a grand filly who won here last year also at big odds. “We thought 6lb for being third in a nursery last year was harsh enough but as usual the handicapper gets proven right. “There is a lovely fillies handicap in the Curragh on Guineas weekend, a three-year-old only fillies handicap over a mile, and that is probably where she will go next. “This is a nice prize to win and we won it two years ago with Immutable also for Mr Kervick.” Additional reporting by Alan Magee.
