Godolphin's progressive 3yo colt Shards opened his stakes
account in Saturday's $125,000 Group III Up And Coming Stakes (1300m) at
Randwick.
In a blanket finish with just over three lengths separating
the eight starters, Shards did best under James McDonald to defeat the Gary
Nickson-trained Voilier (Beneteau)) by a long neck with favoured Sebring Sun a
length and a quarter back in third. (photo Steve Hart).
Trainer John O'Shea is a big fan of the Medaglia d'Oro
breed.
"He missed the kick and raced a bit fresh but this
stallion we've got Medaglia D'oro, we've got a wonderful bunch of horses by him
and this is another nice horse," O'Shea said.
"They train on, they'll get a little bit further and
have a wonderful attitude so hopefully the boss keeps sending him out and we
end up with a few more.
"Up to a mile I really think this horse will come into
his own."
Making his seasonal debut, Shards finished third behind the
Sebring gelding Bring A Secret at Canterbury on debut, then beat all bar the
subsequent Group 1 winner Press Statement at Rosehill before opening his
winning account at Rosehill to round out his juvenile season.
Bred by Darley, he is the second foal of the smart Lonhro
mare Shatters a three-time Sydney winner from the family of former Woodlands
stars Strategic and Clang.
Shatters has a 2yo Street Cry (IRE) colt named Demolition
and is in foal to Exceed And Excel.
Shards becomes the 77th stakes-winner for Darley
Stud's shuttle stallion Medaglia d'Oro (USA) who returne to Kelvinside this
season at a fee of $110,000.
