First-up after a 112-day spell and a trip to Queensland, the Chris Waller-trained Lady Shenandoah ($5.00) has stormed over the top to break her maiden status in stylish fashion, claiming the Group 3 Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m) at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon.
It turned out to be a masterstroke by Sydney’s leading trainer, with the three-year-old filly only needing one barrier trial leading into Saturday, proving far too classy for her rivals despite giving fitness to the well-supported favourite Mayfair ($4.80).
The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained colt was happy to stride out and lead under Tim Clark, and the son of Fastnet Rock was brave throughout the 1400m journey, giving a bold kick in the home straight.
Godolphin’s Snack Bar ($12.00) loomed large in the final 400m and appeared to be travelling best of those in behind, however, it was Jay Ford aboard Lady Shenandoah closing best, with 53kg on her back proving a vital difference in the concluding stages.
2024 Group 3 Ming Dynasty Quality Replay – Lady Shenandoah
The Snitzel filly couldn’t have been more impressive given she was only first-up into the campaign, and Chris Waller stable representative Charlie Duckworth couldn’t have been happier with the performance.
“She is supremely talented,” said Duckworth.
“She has probably marginally underperformed for what we expected in her two runs last preparation, purely down to racing on a soft six and heavy eight tracks.
“Back on top of the surface today, she is a real talent. We just said to Jay (Ford), forget about the first half of the race because 1400-metres first-up was obviously going to be a bit of a question mark.
“But she began so well, Jay had to land in the position he landed in. He was trying to be as soft as he could within the rules of racing, I think, but she had to dig deep in terms of her fitness levels late and there is plenty more to come.”
Jay Ford was elated with the victory and suggested the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) would be in the realm of possibilities.
“She’s high class, the stable gave me a very big push for her,” said Ford.
“They said she’s quite a quality horse and she’d come back well and only had one trial. Straight to a 1400, had a lovely run rounding them up really nicely.
“Got a little bit tired but wayward nonetheless but she’ll improve with more racing experience. She’s well on her way. Like you said for a maidener to come and break straight into black type augurs well for the path ahead she’s gonna take.
“She’d be competitive in that (Flight Stakes)? I’d have to think so but you’d have to ask them. I’m just warming the seat for JMac but look she’s quality, whatever she contests, she’s gonna aim up to it for sure.”
Lady Shenandoah is now on the third line of betting at $8.00 for the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) set to be run and won on October 5.
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