MINESHAFT RESOLUTE IN VICTORY

Recording his second win over a mile, Mineshaft (4 g Merchant Navy – Ruby Queen, by Pentire) took out the $17,000 Team Wealleans Rating 65 1600 metres on 8 May at Matamata.

Combining again with Kelly Myers, who was aboard when determinedly winning the Maiden 1600 metres on 23 December at Te Rapa, after placing in all five starts prior, Mineshaft produced another resolute performance to win in a higher grade.

Mineshaft, who placed over 2100 metres during his first campaign, had been given time (53 days) since last racing in the Rating 65 1600 metres on 16 March at Tauranga.

Although drawn barrier one, co-trainer Pam Gerard wanted Mineshaft ridden ‘cold’ and Myers played her part to a nicety.

From back on the inner and eight lengths astern at the 600m, Mineshaft picked up strongly near the rail inside the 300m and with a low head carriage he charged home to arrest the lead off Ranger (Ghibbellines).

Winning by a long neck, Mineshaft ran 1600 metres in 1:38.0, last 600m in 37.0 (approx.), on footing that remained Soft7 throughout the day, and after fluctuating from $13.00 to $6.00 he finally paid $8.20 & $2.60 on the NZ TAB tote.

“I just wanted him to be ridden a bit colder today than what he had been,” said Gerard, who trains in partnership with Mike Moroney.

“Although the rail was out (9.5 metres) which usually makes it hard to come from back in the field, his best efforts have been when he’s allowed to find his feet and get home strongly.

“He’d been working as well as he ever does and because it had been awhile between runs it was good to get him back out there racing.

“He had freshened up and he seemed suited to be ridden a bit quieter over a mile. He’s filled out and grown into quite a big horse while remaining in work, but we’ll keep him going because he can handle some easing in the ground.

“We might just keep him at a mile when he steps up in grade and stick to the pattern of riding him cold.”

Owned by Craig McKay and Ballymore Stables, selected by Paul Moroney Bloodstock and purchased for $55,000 at the 2021 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Blandford Lodge, Mineshaft is by fast son of Champion Sire Fastnet Rock (Danehill), Merchant Navy.

A triple Group One winner over 1200 metres (twice in Aust., and Royal Ascot) in career of seven wins from 10 starts, Coolmore shuttle stallion Merchant Navy commenced stud duties in 2018 and his oldest progeny are four-year-olds.

Although by a sprinter, Mineshaft has shown ability over longer trips, aided by his head carriage and action, while stamina on the dam side derives from versatile stallion Pentire (Be My Guest), who sired a Railway (Gr. 1, 1200m) winner and Melbourne Cup winner (Gr. 1, 3200m).

While Champion Sire Zabeel (Sir Tristram), a noted staying influence, is the sire of his impressive winning grand-dam Zabeels Angel.

Accepting on behalf of the owners, Gerard said: “Thank you to Team Wealleans for your continued support and sponsorship and it’s always great to win a race they’re involved in.”

Mineshaft was strapped by Dalpat Singh.

Image: courtesy Kenton Wright – Race Images