An extremely slick effort by Shajaea, straight out of his maiden win to a BM58 against older horses, to run his rivals ragged in the RYCO 24/7 NORTHSIDE Colts, Geldings and Entires Handicap over 1000 metres today with Jaden Lloyd again aboard.
Starting from the outside barrier of 12, the main query was whether he could come across without having to expend too much energy, but cross he did with a scintillating first 200m to jump and lead the field comfortably.
Pleasingly he then relaxed; when they turned into the straight he was still looking strong, and he took off and the race was all over quickly, with the Shalaa gelding maintaining a comfortable 2 length victory on the line. The time of 57.13s was very impressive, some 0.7s faster than the fillies and mares equivalent later in the afternoon.
Assistant Trainer, Ned Coldbeck, was extremely pleased saying that he “went enormous”, whilst Jaden’s feedback was very positive, suggesting Shajea had “gone to another level since that first win”, indicating that he had given him a really nice feel and was a serious horse.
Glowing praise for Shajea who continues to improve after only 5 starts, and no doubt John and Sheila will be thinking about where they take him next, given he is surely overdue for a decent barrier draw!
Another win for young stallion Shalaa, who overnight had his first Group 1 victory at Leopardstown in Dublin.
Congratulations to all concerned!
Photography courtesy of Tenley Snow.