Shoals has returned to winning form in the best way possible this afternoon; producing a strong kick in the straight at Randwick to take out the Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m).
Shoals became only the second three-year-old to win the Group 1 Myer Classic (1600m) during the recent Spring Carnival, but she was extremely flat first-up this time and finished eighth in the Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes (1200m).
Given that she was lining up amongst tougher company in the Surround Stakes, the daughter of Fastnet Rock drifted to odds of $14 this afternoon and was all but friendless in betting.
Jumping from the gates well, Shoals was allowed to stride forward by jock Josh Parr and eventually settled on the outside of early leader Shumookh, who enjoyed a soft time out in front.
Offered a clear line upon arriving at the final straight, Shoals mustered an impressive turn of foot and shot clear of her rivals; sustaining a strong run to the line and holding off a fast-finishing Torvill ($18).
Stable representative for trainer Anthony Freedman, Sam Freedman was thrilled with Shoals’ performance and win in the Surround Stakes and confirmed that the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) is the next major target for the three-year-old.
“To be honest, we probably got her a bit wrong first-up,” Freedman said.
“She had a month off and she blew right out, she did very well in the paddock and she was probably a little bit fat first-up. That’s all we can sort of put that down to.
“She’s a quality filly, she’s well bred and this is very important for John Messara and the team, so we’re thrilled.
“We know she’s got the ability and we were confident in her bouncing back. Dad’s done a fantastic job with her and she’s a credit to Pinecliff down there on the Peninsula.
“That’s always been the target (Coolmore Classic). There’s other options for her as well and we could potentially look at going overseas. She’s done a fantastic job today and the Coolmore looks as though it could be there for her.”
Parr delivered a gem of a ride on Shoals to win the Surround Stakes and was thrilled to return a Group 1 win to Team Freedman, having been called up late for the ride to replace Blake Shinn.
“I’m wrapped and lost for words to be honest. It’s never nice someone’s misfortune to become my good fortune, but it happens a lot in this sport,” Parr said.
“I galloped her on Tuesday morning and I was full of confidence coming here. It was a really wet track on Tuesday and she gave me so much confidence with how she worked because I had a lot of horse up my sleeve.
“I knew I’d land in a good spot in a forward position and she’s a really tough and gallant little thing. This is why we work so hard.”
Shoals has firmed onto the second line of early 2018 Coolmore Classic betting.