Matamata Winning Double - Shezathinka Strikes First

The highest ranking Maiden galloper leading into the event, Rated 74, Shezathinka (4 m So You Think - Headsup, by Thorn Park) broke through in the $10,000 GCM Feeds Maiden 1600 metres on 18 September at Matamata.

Having recorded three seconds and thirds, Shezathinka gained her status due largely to a terrific performance for second in the Lowland Stakes (Gr. 2, 2100m) in February at Hastings, and victory was richly deserved.

“It was a nice ride from a good barrier and she's a progressive mare,” said Te Akau trainer Jamie Richards. “It wouldn't surprise me to see her in some nice 2000-metre races throughout the season, as we build her fitness, but she's a nice filly that Dave (Ellis) bought at the Ready to Run Sale.” 

Able to secure a beautiful spot in fourth for rider Opie Bosson, Shezathinka quickened to a handy advantage at the 200m and although facing a late closer she always had matters in hand.

On Slow7 footing, she ran the 1600 metres in 1:37.6, last 600m in 37.0, and paid $2.00 & $1.30 on the NZ TAB.

“She jumped alright and was probably the best horse in the race, so I put her up there out of trouble and she travelled beautifully,” Bosson said. “She had the form on the board and second-up today she will improve with the run, too. She had enough left in the tank and had a puff when she pulled up, so a lot more improvement in her.”

Regarding track conditions, Bosson said: “The track's perfect and with a bit more sun it will be drying out all the time.”

Owned by the Te Akau Think Fast Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), David Ellis purchased Shezathinka for $175,000 at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale, from the draft of Kilgravin Lodge. 

By the ten-time Group One winner So You Think (High Chaparral), from five-time winner Headsup (Thorn Park), herself very consistent and impressive winning over 1400 metres on Slow8 footing at Matamata, Shezathinka has the looks to match her ability. 

“She was a beautiful filly when we bought her, breezed up well, and one we thought could develop into a three-year-old classic type, which she did when runner-up in the Lowland but she'd just had enough by the time the Oaks rolled around,” Ellis said. 

“She trialled very well this time in, for a second and first, and it's great for the owners that she's got the win second-up in this campaign. She should develop into a lovely staying mare.

“We've been closely following the progeny of So You Think and think he is doing a great job as a young stallion and she's out of a nice young mare by Thorn Park, who is a really good sire.”

Shezathinka was strapped by Mason Stevens.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz

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