Shadows Cast puts stakes’ rivals in the shade

IT was a day for the locals at Awapuni when classy sprintermiler Shadows Cast upset predictions in the $100,000 Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m) yesterday.

Just 30 minutes earlier Awapuni galloper Rock On had scored at outside odds in the Manawatu Cup.

Shadows Cast ($16) added to the local celebrations as he bounced back to his best form to race clear in the home straight, capturing a second victory at stakes level following his deadheat for first in the 2017 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m) at Riccarton.

The win was also testament to the skills of trainer Mark Oulaghan, who produced the horse in a fresh state after returning from a disappointing southern campaign, that saw him finish last in this year’s edition of the Coupland’s Bakeries Mile, just over amonth ago. Rider Johnathan Parkes was full of praise for the effort of his charge, who has now won nine of his 32 career starts.

‘‘They travelled him down there [Riccarton] and he pulled up a bit crook, but he’s bounced back great,’’ he said.

‘‘From a gun draw I was able to get him in a gun position. Coming into the straight I was able to get off the fence and he’s simply been too strong.

‘‘I think amile is really his go as he’s always been thereabouts in better company, and it has shown today as he has beaten a couple of handy horses.

‘‘I don’t see why not to have a crack at a Thorndon [Mile] or something like that.’’ Oulaghan was his usual under-stated self as he discussed the performance, preferring to look ahead to the next challenge for the Per Incanto gelding in the coming weeks.

‘‘He had a bit of a set-back [at Riccarton] but he got over it okay,’’ Oulaghan said. ‘‘1400m is his pet distance, although at a pinch he can get out to amile, but I do think 1400m is his go.

‘‘In saying that we might have a look at the ThorndonMile with him next.’’ The Thorndon Mile (1600m) is one of the feature events at Trentham on January 19.

There was sensation before the race when pre-post favourite Ocean Emperor was deemed a late scratching after undergoing a veterinary inspection.