Blake Shinn snares ride on Molly Bloom in New Zealand

[Wandering Eyes]

Star Victorian jockey Blake Shinn will be in action in New Zealand on Boxing Day and at the Karaka Millions Meeting. Photo: (Reg Ryan/Racing Photos)

Champion Victorian jockey Blake Shinn will be in action in New Zealand on Boxing Day at Pukekohe Park as well as at the lucrative Karaka Millions meeting at Ellerslie on January 27.

Shinn, who was in New Zealand just over a week ago for the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sales, has been engaged to ride star filly Molly Bloom in the Group 2 Eight Carat Stakes (1600m) for trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott on Boxing Day.

The last-start winner of the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) will be one of four rides for the Matamata trainers on the feature day of the festive season, with Molly Bloom also a likely candidate for the $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) on January 27.

“I am extremely excited for the opportunities ahead in New Zealand and being a part of two such wonderful race days,” Shinn said.

“I am forever grateful for the hospitality and warm welcome shown when visiting New Zealand and it will be great to link up with good friends in Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott on the 26th, as well as any opportunities that may arise from other trainers and owners at the meeting.

“I had the privilege of partnering Summer Passage for Lance and Andrew in 2017 when he won the Sistema Stakes (Group 1, 1200m) and I am grateful they have entrusted me with such an exciting filly in Molly Bloom.

“I eagerly look forward to the Karaka Millions as well with its return to Ellerslie and am grateful for any support endeared to me across the two meetings”

Shinn’s agent Liam Prior confirmed a handful of candidates had made an approach regarding rides in the Group 1 Zabeel Classic (2050m) and said Shinn was keen to pick up as many rides as possible at the meet.

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