Team Coolmore has another runner heading into next weekends Group 1 Golden Slipper, as Shinzo proved too good for the boys in the Group 3 Pago Pago Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday.
This of course comes after Learning To Fly booked her ticket earlier in the preparation.
James McDonald elected to go back to last on the Chris Waller-trained Snitzel colt and it proved to be a winning move turning for home on a genuine tempo set by Introducing and Zulfiqar.
Maharba made his way to NSW after winning the Talindert Stakes at Flemington and got the perfect run just in behind the speed to finish nicely into second. A solid hit out before the likely grand final being the Group 1 ATC Sires Produce Stakes over the 1400m.
Bases Loaded was consistent as ever finding the minor money, while Introducing fell into fourth position after doing all the work up on speed.
Shinzo was too good for them however, making his way from last to first, taking out the Pago Pago and seeing Chris Waller finding another runner into the Golden Slipper.
2023 Group 3 Pago Pago Stakes Replay – Shinzo
Chris Waller Spoke post-race about his colt and how he found improvement from the Skyline Stakes.
“He looks the real deal,” said Waller.
“Last start he got in the ruck and just didn't get galloping room, he wasn't really comfortable.
“Today, albeit going back to last, he had the chance to come around them and have clear air and I think that's what he needed.
“I was actually pleased to see a wide draw today. He drew the outside, went back to last, did the first half of the race the right way.
“He got into a beautiful rhythm, loomed up effortlessly and it was good to see him fight the last 100 (metres).”
Waller went on to talk about his chances moving into next Saturday's Golden Slipper and if his colt can handle the one-week back up.
“His demeanour, it won't affect him,” said Waller.
“He is the most chilled out horse you could imagine. He's got the physique to deal with it because he's a nice roomy colt.
“I haven't punished him to get here, he's done it all naturally believe it or not. They're the types of horses that are going to run in the race and most important come out of the race as well.”
Jockey James McDonald spoke about Shinzo and how good he could be moving into a three-year-old season.
“He's a beautiful horse, there's no two questions about that,” said McDonald.
“Oozes so much quality, he's just got three-year-old written all over him. What he's doing now is just an absolute bonus.
“He's just been a work in progress as well. As Chris's (Waller) horses get deeper in a prep they tend to get better and he's been slow maturing mentally and physically.
“That's why as a three-year-old it's all over him.”