It was a day of mixed fortunes at Ascot today for Aquanita Racing and trainer Simon Miller, which was eventually saved by a gutsy all the way win from promising stayer in the making Shalo ($3.00 fav) in the last of the day – the Tabtouch With Cash BM60+ 1500m.
Drawn the widest of runners (barrier 12) and suited by a leaders bias track, hoop “Smokin” Joe Azzopardi had no hesitation in taking the Danehill Express 4yo straight to the front where it dictated terms throughout before withstanding a desperate late charge from Power Punch ($3.10) to cling on by a mere short neck.
Already Famous ($14.00) put in its best run this time in to get within a long neck of the victor to claim third.
Speaking for Aquanita Racing after the event, stable foreman Michael White said “The further he goes the better he’ll be…he’s improving and he’s maturing, so he’s got a bright future”.
It was back to back wins for Shalo, who comfortably won first up over the non-preferred 1200m trip by nearly 2 ½ lengths.
Earlier in the day, raging Aquanita favourite Sujet ($1.75 fav) failed to fire in the Perth Racing On Facebook BM72+ 1200m, finishing a disappointing fifth – 3 ¾ lengths astern of winner Dawn Approach ($4.80) who led throughout for trainer Vaughn Sigley.
Miller’s other runner Hussy By Choice ($8.50) also dissappointed when finishing 7 ½ lengths last to the classy Trade Fair mare Cool Trade ($6.00) in the $100,000 Listed Scenic Blast Stakes (1100m).
Chris Blackwell
