Shellscrape enjoys northern going
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Shellscrape and Larry Cassidy dominate the Bicentennial Stakes Plate leading from start to finish
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Shellscrape ploughed through the tough going at Eagle Farm on Saturday, June 20 to take out the Listed Australia Post Bicentennial Stakes Plate 1400m.
The topweight took control as the pacesetter from a wide barrier (11) and was never headed making it two impressive wins from as many starts in Brisbane for the Sydney-based horse.
Shellscrape (C2 Dane Shadow-Kisma) will have fond memories of his trip north after the dominant win and it was of little surprise that experienced jockey Larry Cassidy led the two-year-old colt home for both victories.
Trainer, Chris Waller was a little surprised with the domination of his rising star, “This horse has had nine runs and he’s very tough, but we didn’t expect him to win this easy…obviously he likes it up here,” he said.
“He’s been helped with good rides from Larry Cassidy…we might have to take him (Cassidy) back to Sydney,” Waller joked.
The trainer was open about his gratitude to Cassidy for not only his rides on Shellscrape in Brisbane, but for his role in establishing the Waller stable in Australian racing.
“Larry (played) a big part in getting me going in Sydney. He rode quite a few winners for me when he was winning the premiership there…so that’s great to see him do so well now,” he said.
Cassidy continued his successful Winter Carnival since settling in his new hometown of Brisbane.
The jockey was apprehensive about pressuring Shellscrape throughout the race, however he felt there could be even more improvement after his first step-up to 1400 metres.
“I didn’t press him hard…I just let him get there under his own steam,” Cassidy said. “I was a little bit concerned and that’s why I thought I’ll just nurse him, but he was just too strong.
“I’m sure a track with the jar out of it will suit him even better.”
Short-priced favourite Carrara ($2.60) was in the box-seat behind Shellscrape at the top of the Eagle Farm straight and presented himself to make a run, however repeated challenges were thwarted.
Carrara’s jockey Nash Rawiller guided him home for a long neck second with Man of Oar (Glen Colless) finishing fast in third a further two and a half lengths back.
QUEENSLAND Racing web news: Ross Dowd – June 22
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