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Source: TTR Australia & NZ by Tom Baddock
Lady Shenandoah (Snitzel) had plenty against her but still proved too good in Saturday’s G1 Coolmore Classic, delivering Chris Waller his third consecutive win in the race.
Lady Shenandoah (Snitzel) might not have been at her scintillating best but it was enough to deliver Chris Waller his third consecutive G1 Coolmore Classic victory at Rosehill on Saturday after an inch perfect ride by James McDonald.
Previously won by Waller with Zougotcha (Zoustar) last year and Espiona (Extreme Choice) in 2023, the champion trainer revealed he had a few concerns heading into the Group 1 feature on Saturday, all of which were further exacerbated by drawing wide in gate 11.
“Pre-race it wasn’t perfect, it’s a warm Rosehill day, and she had a good sweat which scared me a little, but it was a great ride from that draw to get into the spot that he did and that certainly saved a bit of petrol for late,” Waller said.
James McDonald executed a brilliant ride, positioning Lady Shenandoah one-out, midfield from the difficult gate. When asked for the ultimate effort, the last-start G1 Surround Stakes winner responded well, surging to the front, while lacking her customary barnstorming finish. Lady of Camelot, who was forced to race wide without cover, remained a threat until the very end, while stablemate Firestorm (NZ) (Satono Aladdin {Jpn}) made a powerful late run from the back, ultimately finish just 0.13 lengths behind in second. Lady Of Camelot (Written Tycoon) fought on valiantly in third 0.5l behind.
McDonald was full of praise for the filly, which he indicated was there to be beaten if her opposition were good enough.
“She’s pretty good. She’s doing the right things anyway,” McDonald said.
“She wasn’t entitled to win, she was all out at the 100 metres, and she was worked up prior to the start which was a bit of a concern. Just whether that was her home track. But we were able to take a couple of minutes where she took a breath around at the start.”
“She began well and fitted in and showed her quality fighting spirit. I think that she is a fast filly, and as she gets older and starts filling out into her frame I think that she will come back in trip and be even faster.”
Waller is leaving the option for another autumn run on the table, but suggested that Lady Shenandoah will probably be sent to the paddock.
“What else has she got to prove? And she did have a good sweat before the race so the signs are there,” he said.
“We look after her and she will be in all the great races (next campaign).”
“What else has she got to prove? And she did have a good sweat before the race so the signs are there.” – Chris Waller
Bred by Arrowfield Pastoral Pty Ltd & Planette Thoroughbreds, Lady Shenandoah was a $525,000 purchase for Hermitage Thoroughbreds from the Arrowfield Stud draft at the 2023 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
She is a three-quarter sister to G1 Sha Tin Centenary Sprint Cup winner, Stronger (Not A Single Doubt) out of the winning Starcraft (NZ) mare Star Pupil. Star Pupil is a half to Group 3 winner Bachman (All American) and Singapore Horse of the Year in 2015 Stepitup (Hussonet {USA}).