Chris Waller & Zac Lloyd combined with Lady Shenandoah ($3.00) proving far too strong in the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon.
The daughter of Snitzel put the writing on the wall after an impressive first-up maiden victory in the Group 3 Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m) at Rosehill on September 14, and she never looked in danger of claiming back-to-back wins, making a mess of her rivals after stalking the speed throughout.
In a race devoid of a natural leader, it was the John Sargent-trained Powers Of Opal ($6.50) forced to take up the running order under Tommy Berry, while the eventual winner was able to snag into the one-one throughout.
Snow In May ($2.70) was well-backed after the withdrawal of Autumn Glow earlier in the week and was given every chance to follow Lady Shenandoah every step of the way, while Harlem Queen ($8.00) gave a sight at big odds for horse racing bookmakers to run into the quinella.
It was all about the winner, however, with Lady Shenandoah cruising to victory, and giving Zac Lloyd his second Group 1 victory.
2024 Group 1 Flight Stakes Replay – Lady Shenandoah
Chris Waller spoke post-race about the changing paths for the lightly raced three-year-old, suggesting the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) may not be a necessary option after claiming Group 1 glory.
“It was a tough week but I’m not going to get emotional about it because I’m so blessed to have these types of horses in the stable,” said Waller.
“Autumn Glow, she’s a star. But this little girl here (Lady Shenandoah), she’s pretty good too.
“She was going to go to the Thousand Guineas because we thought another filly might be running in this race today.
“She was entered for the trials yesterday, but obviously she’s got a little bit up her sleeve. We won’t get too carried away, she’s still filling out and developing, but she’s got a Group One next to her name.”
It was the first time Zac Lloyd had been legged aboard Lady Shenandoah and he couldn’t have been happier with the result.
“That was a good first impression, that’s for sure,” said Lloyd.
“What a filly and obviously I’m very lucky to land on her, but I’m very honoured to get the ride for Hermitage and Mr Waller and hopefully I can get a couple more Group Ones as easy as that.
“It was scintillating. It was a bit tricky early, obviously with the speed, no-one was quite sure who would take it up and probably the last horse I expected was Tommy (Berry) to take it up (on Powers Of Opal).
“I really wanted to get cover on her because I thought if I just get her to switch on she would have a good turn of foot.
“Lucky I was able to get in the one-one. She travelled like the winner the whole way and I just had to count to five before I let her go. But I don’t think it mattered, she’s very good.”
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