Shaneshill (IRE) 4 yo (01 Jan 09 b g)
King´s Theatre (IRE) (11.4f) – Darabaka (IRE) (Doyoun (10.3f))
W P Mullins
Shaneshill has won two Bumper races the first coming at Naas while he followed up at Fairyhouse. That shows he can handle left and right-handed tracks, which are both galloping and testing. In the former race, he led or disputed the lead throughout, before holding off his rivals by staying on strongly at the finish. The second went on to finish second in a Listed event at Ascot, while the third won next time out. At Fairyhouse, he was ridden conservatively. Travelling easily in third place, he eased to the front two and a half-furlongs from home, quickening well and running out an eleven-length winner. Willie Mullins reported after the race, “I am very impressed with him. I was surprised at myself running a four-year-old twice in a month but I took the chance. I will mind him now. Patrick felt he was even better on this better ground so that would bode well about aiming for March.” His RPR improved 13lb from first to second race, while the general impression is that plenty of improvement is in the offing. His breeding displays an ideal blend of stamina and speed.
