Australia Filly Strikes Late For Group 3 Win
The progressive Shamida (3f Australia - Shamooda, by Azamour) made a successful step up in class in Thursday’s Group 3 Stanerra Stakes at Leopardstown.
The Dermot Weld-trained bay finished third on her first two starts before landing a mile and a half maiden, with all starts coming at Leopardstown. Stepping up to a mile and six furlongs on Thursday, she was settled towards the back of the field by Chris Hayes and began to make headway approaching the two furlong marker. In touch with the leaders when ridden a furlong later, she ran on well close home to lead by a head on the line.
“She is improving with every run,” Dermot Weld later commented. “She’s a very genuine filly and I love the way she battles. She doesn’t know how to quit.”
Reflecting on future plans, he said, “Now that she is a Group 3 winner we will probably look at the Park Hill, the Group 2 at Doncaster. Hopefully she continues to progress.”
The Aga Khan Studs homebred becomes a 35th individual Stakes winner by Australia, five of whom are Group 1 winners.