Shamida (nearest)© Photo Healy Racing
With a rating of 89 after a course maiden win in May, Shamida (10/3) had a fair bit to find on paper ahead of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Stanerra Stakes but showed herself to be a very progressive three-year-old when securing a narrow victory.
Settled in mid-division by Chris Hayes, the daughter of Australia was just behind British raider Divine Jewel for most of the journey and gave chase after that rival was sent to the front over a furlong out.
Shamida responded well to cut into Divine Jewel's advantage in the final furlong and got on top close home with a head the margin of victory. Scarlett O'Hara beaten half a length by Shamida here in May, also produced an improved effort to fill third spot, a further three parts of a length away.
Winning trainer Dermot Weld said: “Tactics still win races and it was a very good ride by Chris Hayes. That was the plan and he executed to perfection.
“She is an improving filly and is improving with every run. Hopefully she continues to progress.
“Now that she is a Group 3 winner we will probably look at the Park Hill, the Group 2 at Doncaster. I’d like to give her a bit of time between her races.
“She’s a very genuine filly and I love the way she battles. She doesn’t know how to quit.”
Quotes from Alan Magee
