Shamal Winds blows them away at Flemington

Jumping from a provincial maiden which she won by four-and-three-quarter lengths to a Stakes race on Oaks Day at Flemington, Dubawi filly Shamal Wind produced an outstanding effort to take the Listed Heritage Stakes by two lengths on 8 November.

Settling just off the pace from an outside gate, jockey Mark Zahra allowed the filly to travel where comfortable, letting her go about two furlongs from home and she sprinted very quickly and impressively, putting the race beyond doubt in a matter of strides.

“It was Listed level today but she is clearly going to take the steps next time around. This is her first racing preparation and there’s probably a better race in her in the future,” stated trainer Robert Smerdon after the race.

Bred by Widden Stud Australia Pty Ltd and Mr M Edwards, Shamal Wind is out of the Darley-bred Machiavellian mare Firemaid, a half-sister to Stakes winner Bezrin, from the family of Champion galloper Heart Lake, G1 winners My Darling One and Tonemai as well as G3 winner Labirinto.

The sire of 47 Stakes winner internationally, Dubawi has supplied 10 G1 horses and 39 Stakes performers in 2012 including Dubai World Cup winner Monterosso, Premio Roma winner Hunter's Light and Hong Kong winner Lucky Nine.