WELL bred two-year-old Shiralee booked a berth in the $100,000 Elwick Stakes on Derby Day when he powered home to score a last-astride win in the Peter Binney Surveys Maiden Plate over 1000 metres at Tattersall’s Park in Hobart today.
Shiralee (Stratum-BullionMansion) debuted with a fourth to Geegees Doublejay after which trainer Gary White sent the gelding to the spelling paddock for a shirt break.
He presented brilliantly in the mounting yard today and punters sent him out the favourite although there was strong backing for six others in the race.
Rider Daniel Ganderton had Shiralee settled near the tail of the field and turning for home he was still well back and searching for runs.
“Ganderton had to weave a passage over the final 200 metres but when he asked his charge for the big effort he put in the big strides and grabbed victory over Wiz Bang and d Geegees Goldengirl in the last few strides.
White was ecstatic after the win and also relieved.
“I thought for sure he would miss a place turning for home because he just wasn’t in the hunt but somehow Daniel (Ganderton was able to find a way to get him home,” White said.
“I am so rapt for the owners David and Louise Adams who are not only good friends but long time supporters of the stable.”
“The horse has always shown ability and we will now head him to the Elwick Stakes and see where he goes from there,” he said.
First starter Galeocerdo was hunted out of the stalls from gate one to lead and the Sharkbite filly had two lengths on her rivals Wiz Bang and Rumeron turning for home.
The Mark Everett-trained filly knocked up over the last 80 metres while Geegees Goldengirl powered home to grab third on the heels of Wiz Bang with Galeocerdo hanging on for fourth ahead of Rumeron.