Shalaa impresses in Richmond Stakes Shalaa impressed as he powered home under a penalty in the Group Two Qatar Richmond Stakes at Goodwood. John Gosden's runner was sent off the 11-8 favourite for the six-furlong event after landing the July Stakes at Newmarket on his last run - a victory which earned him an extra 3lb burden. However, Shalaa made light work of that as he breezed along in the hands of Frankie Dettori before being given the signal to push on with a furlong to run. Shalaa's response was swift and he soon pulled clear of the chasing Tasleet, eventually passing the post with two and three-quarter lengths to spare. Dettori said: "That was good. He has lots of speed, a good head on him and he quickens up - what more do you want? "I'm happy to take the lead as there's nothing fast enough to lead him so I had to make my own way home. "He's getting better as he was a bit hot but he's enjoying it now. "I would say something like the Prix Morny on good ground would be next." Gosden also identified the Morny as a likely target, with next year's Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot already on the radar. He said: "He had so much speed. I think the fact Frankie has travelled for so long is quite an achievement. "He's beaten them three lengths giving 3lb - the Morny will be next and then the Middle Park. He's fast, i'm not going to take him to seven furlongs. Next year, the Commonwealth Cup. He's a similar looking horse to (Gosden's former champion sprinter) Oasis Dream. "I don't see him as a miler, I see him staying at six. He enjoys sprinting, so let him sprint."
