Chief Stipe Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 Melody Belle is not the only Group One winner stepping up to 2000 metres for the first time in Saturday’s Gr. 1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes at Ellerslie. Shadows Cast, who scored a brilliant win in the Thorndon Mile at Trentham two starts back, is also having his first start beyond 1600 metres in the weight-for-age feature. “It’s his first try at 2000 metres and it’s a bit of an unknown,” Awapuni trainer Mark Oulaghan said. “It’s one of those things where you don’t really know until they try it. But he’s a relaxed type of horse, so hopefully that’ll help him get those extra 400 metres.” In his only start since his Thorndon Mile win, Shadows Cast finished sixth in the Gr. 1 Haunui Farm WFA Classic at Otaki – 2.7 lengths behind the winner, Melody Belle. “We were happy enough with his run there,” Oulaghan said. “Possibly the track (Slow8) wasn’t really ideal for him that day, but it was a good enough performance. “He’s been doing well since then. He seems to have trained on nicely and he galloped well here on Tuesday. We’ll see how he goes on Saturday.” Shadows Cast will be ridden by Johnathan Parkes and is rated a $26 chance in a star-studded field that features eight individual Group One winners and three Group One placegetters. Multiple Group One-winning mares Melody Belle and Danzdanzdance share $3.20 favouritism, with last-start Herbie Dyke Stakes winner On The Rocks at $5.50. Last year’s Derby winner Vin De Dance is next at $9, alongside first-time Group One runner Rondinella. View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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