A new Classic contender for Shamardal

Three-year-old Shamardal colt Zawraq threw himself into Classic contention in tremendous fashion on 12 April when storming home to land the Listed 2,000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown by three and a half lengths.

Settled in fifth position under jockey Pat Smullen (who is enjoying a fantastic run of success with trainer Dermot Weld), the Shadwell homebred was cruising throughout the one-mile contest and had the race sewn up as soon as the field turned for home as he skipped clear to win easily. 

Winner of his only start at two, he has now earned quotes of around 12-1 to take the Derby, looking today as though a longer trip could suit him well.

It would be no great surprise to see Zawraq go on to victory at the highest level, as his dam Sundus (Sadler’s Wells) is a half-sister to 1,000 Guineas and G1 Coronation Stakes winner Ghanaati and is therefore also from the family of the great dual Classic and four-time G1 winner Nashwan. 

Shamardal has now sired 12 individual Black type performers so far in 2015, headed by multiple G1 winner Able Friend, plus Winter Derby hero Tryster and yesterday’s Australian G2 winner Delectation. He stands at Kildangan Stud at a fee of €70,000 October 1st SLF.