Shahama Back to Best in G3 Monmouth Oaks

Munnings’ star filly Shahama (3f Munnings x Private Feeling, by Belong to Me) added another stakes win to her record on Sunday with a 2 ½ length win in the Grade III Monmouth Oaks.

Running 1 1/16 miles on the dirt, the flashy filly shadowed Grade I winner Juju’s Map from the start and kept the pressure on throughout. The leader gave way as they entered the final quarter and Shahama’s blaze was in front shortly after.

Shahama was allowed to coast home in the final furlong to a 2 ½ length victory for KHK Racing and trainer Todd Pletcher.

Starting her career in Dubai, where she won two stakes and four straight races, Shahama’s record now stands at five wins and one second from seven starts.

Shahama’s Dubai trainer Fawzi Nass bought Shahama for $425,000 at last year’s OBS Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds from Eddie Woods. The SF Bloodstock-bred filly is the second classic winner from two-time winner Private Feeling who also foaled Munnings’ studmate and Grade I Preakness Stakes winner Lookin At Lucky. They are joined by multiple graded stakes winner Kensei as the three stakes winners for their dam.

Private Feeling is a half-sister to Grade III winner Grand Charmer, who is the granddam of another champion in Wait A While.

Munnings’ 12 stakes winners in 2022 is second only to Into Mischief, who has over 100 more runners than Munnings. Munnings is also the sire of 19 stakes performers, five graded stakes winners, 10 graded stakes performers and Grade I winner Jack Christopher this year.