Winning Horse: Shalaman (Aus)

3yoC Shalaa (Ire) - Our Daisy (Aus)(Commands (Aus))

6 starts - 2 wins 3 seconds $203750

Black Type Placings

2nd LR Moonee Valley Mcmahon's Dairy Mckenzie Stks 1200m (2022)

Other Wins

1st Cranbourne Frankston Sand Soil Mdn 1000m (2022)

Other Placings

2nd Moonee Valley Luna Hand Care Hcp 955m (2022)

2nd Bendigo National Hotel Mdn Plate 1100m (2022) (Debut Run)

Race Result:

1st: Shalaman (Matt Laurie/Ben Melham) - $4.20 fav

2nd: Meridius (Lloyd Kennewell/Jamie Kah) - $7
3rd: Millane (Peter Moody/Luke Nolen) - $4.80

Winning Time: 1:12.27 Last 600m: NA

Margins: Short Head x 1-½ Length

Winning Trainer: Matt Laurie

On his attitude to racing: “He kind of looks as though he’s going to really deliver and put them away but he just holds back. I think he has that extra length up his sleeve but it’s just not coming at this stage.

On his breeding: “It’s good to get the win. It’s a big result, he was an expensive colt and some big owners have chipped in and it’s nice to select a good horse.”

On spring goals: “I think the Red Anchor is probably a nice race for him. I’m not sure he’s quite the Coolmore product but we can dream and we’ll see how he pulls up.”

On comparisons with Portland Sky: “Portland Sky was always very classy from the beginning, and this bloke is too, but he’s a very laid-back colt and he’s a little bit harder to judge. He’s had a good prep and a good career to date.”

Winning Jockey: Ben Melham

On the horse: “It’s always a worry late with him. He’s a really good galloper at home and he’s a beautiful horse - I think he’s a really nice coltm - but he’s still learning.

“He’s still learning how to round off his races but he gives himself every chance, he puts himself in a winning position and he gives a good kick, but he just gets a little lost in front. I think when the penny drops with him he’s going to be a really good colt.

“At home he works right up there with the best of them. He’s a great style of horse and when he puts it together he will win a good race.”