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Shanti shows tough side at maiden win

3 minute read

American-bred filly Shanti survived a gut-busting run in the $75,000 Restricted Maiden race over 1200m to get on the scoresheet on Saturday.

SHANTI winning the RESTRICTED MAIDEN
SHANTI winning the RESTRICTED MAIDEN Picture: Singapore Turf Club

Ridden a treat by Alysha Collett, the Shanghai Bobby three-year-old had to tough it out at both ends, coursing out wide from her awkward alley (10) to then outbattle a tough-as-nails War Pride (Zy Nor Azman) by a short head.

Even-money favourite In All His Glory (Michael Rodd) had every chance but did not find any extra when called upon inside the concluding stages. He still stayed on well to take third place another two lengths away. The winning time was 1min 9.99secs for the 1200m on the Long Course.

Shanti  was one of two progeny of US stallion and former American champion two-year-old colt Shanghai Bobby that trainer Michael Clements bought from Ocala last year, the other one being Knight Love, who is not far from making his Kranji debut after winning two barrier trials thus far.

"I liked how she was very physical and athletic," said Clements of his US purchase.

"Her breeding was quite good with the sire being a turf and dirt stallion. She was also within our price range (US$70,000).

"She has done very well since she came to us. She was very forward and speedy.

"She's learned a lot from her first start (third to Rise Of Empire in a similar Restricted Maiden race over 1200m on January 12). She was a lot more switched on today.

"It was a gutsy effort for her to keep running as it was tricky from the wide barrier over the 1200m on the Long Course.

"She was quite relaxed behind the barriers and Alysha did well to let her go forward."

Collett, who was registering her second 2020 win after Lai Mak Mak scored on January 18, said Shanti was a bundle of nerves on her way to the barriers, but was more docile once she settled down.

"She came back to herself behind the barriers. She walked around nice and easy, she was very professional," said the Kiwi rider.

"She did feel the pinch in the last 50m after the work she had to do at the barriers and at the corner, so there was a little bit of concern there, especially with the claimer on the inside.

"Once she matures, she'll be even better."

With that record of one win and one third from two outings, Shanti has already recouped part of her price tag with returns of around $50,000 for her owner, the PSM Racing Stable.


Singapore Turf Club

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