Trans Tasman Double - Shiatsu's Striking Debut

Debutante Shiatsu (3 f Swiss Ace – Perform A Miracle, by More Than Ready) recorded a very good all-the-way victory in the $17,000 Serenity/Oakvue Maiden 1300 metres on 21 May at Cambridge.

Consistent through the trials' stage, and having recently finished solidly for second when trialling on 6 May at Cambridge, Shiatsu continued a good run for owner Gerry Harvey, whose Westbury Stud royal blue & white crossed sashes colours have been to the forefront of winning races in New Zealand.

Away well from barrier three to lead, Shiatsu went along at a genuine pace, travelled well before being pushed out to extend approaching the home turn and drew clear in the straight to win by four-and-a-quarter lengths.

It was a positive ride by Vinnie Colgan and the type of performance from a newbie to racing that suggested she will win more races. 

“She pinged the gates, so I crossed over to lead,” Colgan said. 

“She led easily, gave me a nice kick turning for home, and ran nice and even up the straight.”

On course, assistant trainer Reece Trumper, said: “Lovely ride by Vinnie, and there will be plenty of improvement from that run. 

“Her work at home had been really good. She’s been a very straightforward filly, and thanks to Gerry Harvey, Russell Warwick, and Luke McDonald, for their support of the stable. Honestly, they are big supporters of racing in New Zealand.”

Given the genuine gallop, Shiatsu ran 1300 metres in 1:16.6, not far outside the course record 1:16.2, and held firm in betting to pay $4.80 & $2.00 on the NZ TAB tote.

“Great to win another race for Gerry (Harvey) today and the Westbury team,” said Mark Walker, who trains with Sam Bergerson.

“She handled the (synthetic) surface really well and that will open up further opportunities on the track heading into winter.

“She’s taken a bit of time, but is developing into a big, strong, filly, and to win at her first start should only give her confidence going forward.”

Shiatsu is a half-sister to two-year-old winner and stakes placed Believe In Magic (Not A Single Doubt), who was purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM, from the draft of Westbury Stud, as a yearling at Karaka.

Following her win at Woodville, Believe In Magic closed boldly for second to subsequent Group Two winner and dual Group One placed Impendabelle in the Group 2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m). 

The pair, Shiatsu and Believe In Magic, share a particularly rich dam-side pedigree. 

Incredibly, world renowned dam-sire More Than Ready (Southern Halo) is one of only six stallions to have sired in excess of 200 stakes' winners, with 26 Group One winners among them. He has been Champion Sire in both hemispheres, has proved an outstanding sire of sires and is going from strength-to-strength as a broodmare sire.

Their second and third dams are by Champion Sires Encosta de Lago (Fairy King) and Danehill (Danzig), respectively, while fourth Dam, talented race mare and top producer St. Klaire (Bletchingly) is from the incomparable Eight Carat family. 

Somewhat of an unsung hero in the Westbury Stud stallion roster, the sire of Shiatsu, Swiss Ace (Secret Savings), commenced stud duties in 2010, is still going, and his progeny just keep on delivering. 

His 389 individual winners have combined to win over 1100 races, including 36 stakes' wins, headed by Group 1 Railway Stakes (1200m) winner Julius.  Swiss Ace continues to serve the NZ stallion ranks very well. 

Shiatsu has a bloodline cross of immortal sires Mr. Prospector and Norther Dancer. 

Shiatsu was strapped by Cooper Stumbles. 

Photo credit - Kenton Wright - www.raceimages.co.nz