Not Shocking At All

Shocking Luck (3 g Shocking - Shamardal Luck, by Shamardal) looked a staying horse of promise when putting away a reasonable field by two and a half lengths on 14 December at Matamata.

Not the easiest commodity to unearth, a good young horse that can run out a strong middle distance race is sought after, with some rich spoils available to those that make it their forte, and at only his third start Shocking Luck appears on his way to higher honours.

Bred and raced by Terry Archer & Grant Currie, Shocking Luck became the fifth winner in five days for trainers Stephen Autridge & Jamie Richards, and as third favourite in the Fashion in the Fields 25 Feb Maiden 2000 metres he paid $6.30 & $2.60 on the tote.

“The stable is absolutely on fire and all the horses are racing well,” said Te Akau principal David Ellis.

“It's great to have a win today, as we're having our Christmas party at the races for our Matamata staff and it's nice for a team that has worked so hard through a particularly wet winter and spring, with a smile on their faces at all times, and to see these horses winning is a big thrill.

“Terry (Archer) is one of New Zealand's very best breeders and it's always a thrill when breeders give us a horse train.

“He chose Te Akau to train the horse and it's a big thrill because we don't feel we get a lot of support from the breeders in New Zealand, considering the support that we give them, and it's always really appreciated when we get a horse like that to train,” he said.

Also in terrific form, rider Cameron Lammas did a good job from a wide gate when sending Shocking Luck forward from the outset and getting him to settle in fourth with cover. Around to sit second inside the 600m, it was the turn of foot he showed on straightening that set him apart from the others and after establishing a three length advantage to the 200m he had the luxury of easing near the line.

Shocking Luck ran the 2000 metres in 2:06.0, last 600m in 36.5.

Having found the line for sixth on debut over 1400 metres, and worked solidly past the post for fourth to winning stable-mate King Kane (Showcasing) in the Maiden 1600 metres on 6 November at Hastings, the step up in trip was ideal and his liking for it no real surprise given that his dam, Shamardal Luck, won over 2100 metres.

“He did a bit to get there but then slotted in nicely, and it was a pretty good ride by Cameron” said co-trainer Stephen Autridge.

“We think he's going to be a really good horse next year but that's a good enough win to think he could win another race or two before he goes out [for a spell].  He just wants to get over a trip and he's certainly bred to and he's got ability.

“We thought if things went right from the draw that he could be a winner, but didn't think he could win that easily,” he said.

Shocking Luck has an interesting cross of Machiavellian (Mr. Prospector) on both sides of his pedigree. Being the sire of Street Cry, who sired Shocking, and on the dam side of his dam sire Shamardal, and Mr. Prospector blood is showing prominently in the pedigrees of many of the best staying horses around the world.

“He won nicely,” said co-owner and breeder Terry Archer.

“The mare (Shamardal Luck) won over 1000 metres and 2100 metres and I bought her reasonably cheaply at a New Zealand Bloodstock Mixed Bloodstock Sale in May. I liked her and I was quite fond of Shamardal mares, that was the attraction, and thought Shocking was a pretty good sort of mating, and it's proven so.

“This is the first foal and we have a brother going through the Karaka sales in January [Lot 1018], so you always hope they show something before the sales.  It's been a good end to the calendar year and it's always nice to win a race at Matamata.

“He's (Shocking Luck) been a bit slow coming to it but Te Akau has said all the way through to take time with him, be a little bit patient, and you'll be rewarded at the end of the day and it appears their judgement is pretty good,” he said.

Shocking Luck was strapped by Wiremu Pinn.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz