WINNER: Shemesh Shines

Expected to win on debut, Shemesh (3 f The Autumn Sun – Star Salute, by General Nediym) did just that in the A$45,000 Maiden Fillies & Mares 1400 metres on 30 October at Pakenham (Melbourne).

Shemesh had gained favour when closing from last with a strong finish for second in a jump out on 19 October at Cranbourne, and shaped to race well from barrier four, but punters could not help themselves and kept piling it on to see her start as $1.30 favourite.

Ridden by Champion Jockey Blake Shinn, who was aboard in the trial, Shemesh settled three back on the outer, was clear to challenge on straightening for the run home and sustained a well-timed finish to reel in pacemaker Capital Affair (Home Affairs), while fellow debutante Galway Gal (Ghaiyyath) closed solidly to fill second.

It was a well-judged ride by Blake and a good first-up effort by a filly that obviously has plenty of upside.

Melbourne-based, Blake has formed a very good relationship with Te Akau since riding Damask Rose (Savabeel) to win the inaugural running of the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (Restricted Listed, 1500m), and was also the pilot of Te Akau's 100th Group 1 winner that same day when Return to Conquer, now standing at Wakato Stud, charged home to claim the Group 1 Sistema Stakes over 1200m.

Blake recently scored a strong win aboard Shemesh's sstable-mate Royal Rendezvous (Royal Meeting) on 21 October at Geelong, a half-brother to multiple stakes' winner Bellatrix Star (Star Witness), whom Sir David Ellis purchased as a yearling at Karaka, before buying Royal Rendezvous as a yearling in Melbourne.

In the race sponsored by Ladbrokes Tote Win +10% in October, Shemesh ran 1400 metres in 1:25.6, last 600m in 35.4, on Soft6 footing.

“It was a really nice debut win by Shemesh and a lovely ride by Blake Shinn,” said trainer Mark Walker.

“It always helps to have such an in-form rider aboard. He timed the run to perfection and it was great to see her win in the manner that she did.

“She’s a beautiful filly and given she’s won first-up over 1400 metres, we expect that, in time, she can step up in distance too. 

“She will be all the better for the winning experience and we have a stakes race in mind for her before she goes for a spell, and prepares to race again in the Autumn.

“It’s great to have another nice filly in the stable for two illustrious owners, Brae Sokolski and Ozzie Kheir. It’s great to have their support and nice being able to train some winners for them, too.”

Walker suggested Shemesh could contest the $175,000 Listed Sportsbet Twilight Glow Stakes (1400m) on Saturday 28 November at Sandown (Melbourne). 

By Arrowfield Stud sire The Autumn Sun (Redoute’s Choice), who won eight of nine starts including five Group One races and became Champion 3YO Colt in Australia, Shemesh is out of Star Salute, a mare that recorded three wins to 1200 metres, by sprint sire General Nediym (Nediym). 

General Nediym was Champion First-Season Sire in Australia, and sired 48 stakes winners, including Group One winner and NZ Champion Two-Year-Old Warhorse, whom Sir David purchased as yearling in 2011 at Karaka, and he won the Group 1 Diamond Stakes (1200m), Group 3 Eclipse Stakes (1200m), and Listed Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m). 

Shemesh became the fifth individual winner of 19 races for Star Salute, including Group Two winner Brutality (Shamus Award) and dual Group Three winner General Salute (Russian Revolution). 

Owned by Brae Sokolski (YES Bloodstock) and Ozzie Kheir, Shemesh was purchased by YES Bloodstock for A$300,000 at the 2025 Australian Easter Yearling Sale, from the draft of HP Thoroughbreds, Hilldale, NSW. 

Walker has also trained winners Harry Met Sally (Yes Yes Yes) and Dismantle (Spirit Of Boom) this year forecast Sokolski, along with Future Frankie (Frankel), Kiwi Raider (Per Incanto), and Exuberance (Savabeel) for Kheir. 

Shemesh was strapped by Felecity Mantelone.