Shamardal’s Skardu Enters Guineas Picture With Craven Win

[Wandering Eyes]

Like Tuesday’s G3 Nell Gwyn S. winner Qabala (Scat Daddy), Skardu (GB) (Shamardal) entered his Guineas trial with just a course win to his name but like that filly emerged from Wednesday’s G3 bet365 Craven S. with his reputation significantly enhanced. Only 3-1 this time as opposed to the 33-1 he had been when scoring with panache over seven furlongs here in September, Abdulla Al Khalifa’s homebred was restrained by James Doyle in last of the tightly-bunched field throughout the early stages. Waiting for Set Piece (GB) (Dansili {GB}) to move first, the chestnut swooped on the outer of that rival to lead passing the furlong pole and outstay Momkin (Ire) (Bated Breath {GB}) by a neck, with 1 3/4 lengths back to Set Piece in third. The 13-8 favourite Royal Marine (Ire) (Raven’s Pass) never threatened to land a blow and wound up a further 3/4 of a length behind in fourth. “That was pretty smart and you’d have to be impressed,” the winning rider said. “It’s proven hard yesterday and today to make up ground and it was just a mediocre pace, so you can upgrade the performance. He showed a blistering turn of foot and he wandered around in front, so he’s still learning and will come on for that. All the right signs are there.”

SKARDU (GB), c, 3, Shamardal–Diala {Ire}, by Iffraaj {GB}).
O/B-Sheikh Abdulla Bin Isa Al Khalifa (GB); T-William Haggas; J-James Doyle. £34,026. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, £40,595.

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