Shellscrape gives sire a milestone win

Shellscrape became young sire Dane Shadow’s first stakes winner when he extended his unbeaten Queensland run with a strong win in today’s listed Australia Post Stakes (1400m) at Eagle Farm.

A $40,000 purchase at the 2007 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale, Shellscrape sent his earnings past $216,000 with his impressive on speed victory.

The win was the second from two runs for Shellscrape after trainer Chris Waller sent him north to contest a $100,000 restricted events for juveniles over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.

“We planned to send him straight home after that win but I didn’t expect him to win so easily and he just blossomed afterwards,” Waller told AAP after the win.

“Then I saw this race and decided we’d stick around for it.”

A spell is next on the agenda for the exciting youngster who’s now won three races and been placed on five other occasions from nine outings.

“I’ll give him a good break now and decide where to go with him.”

“That was a very good win but it’s important to keep things in perspective,” Waller summed up.

Shellscrape is one of five first crop winners for exciting young Danehill sire Dane Shadow.

His dam, the three time winning and twice city placed Snippets mare Kisma, is also the dam of the dual South African winner Tiwi Bomber.

Shellscrape is great advertisement for Magic Millions sales. As well as being a graduate in his own right, his dam is a half sister to Drizzle, a two time winner of the Magic Millions Stayers Cup.

 By Greg Irvine – www.virtualformguide.com

Shellscrape makes it two from two

An afterthought and an extra fortnight of Queensland sunshine earned frontrunning Sydney colt Shellscrape a valuable stakes victory at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Rosehill trainer Chris Waller sent Shellscrape north last month with the view of giving him one start in a $100,000 restricted event at Doomben but he promptly changed plans when the horse achieved that mission with ease.

“We planned to send him straight home after that win but I didn’t expect him to win so easily and he just blossomed afterwards,” Waller said.

“Then I saw this race and decided we’d stick around for it.”

Waller’s decision proved a wise one when Shellscrape added valuable black type to his credentials when he led throughout for a gutsy win in the Listed $100,000 Australia Post Stakes (1400m).

Confidently ridden by Larry Cassidy, Shellscrape ($5) found the plenty under hard riding in the straight to hold off a late bid from Melbourne colt Carrara ($2.60 fav) for a long neck win.

Gold Coast gelding Man Of Oar ($21) caught the eye when he steamed home from well back on the corner to finish 2-1/2 lengths back in third with Dual Chamber ($4.80) fourth.

Waller praised Cassidy’s winning ride and joked he might lure the former Kiwi hoop back to Sydney.

“Larry played a big part in my success when I first started in Sydney and he helped me get going when he was the premier rider there,” Waller said.

“That was a great ride. Larry’s a very good rider and I might see if I can get him to come back with me.”

Waller said Shellscrape was a horse with a bright future but he wouldn’t be drawn into speculation.

“I’ll give him a good break now and decide where to go with him,” Waller said.

“That was a very good win but it’s important to keep things in perspective.”

By www.bloodstock.com.au

CWR RUNNERS – SATURDAY 20 JUNE