Shamardal’s progeny have been enjoying an outstanding start to the Australian racing season and his successful spell continued on 17 October when his progressive son Shamoline Warrior further established himself as a leading contender for this year’s G1 Victorian Derby with a commanding win in the G3 Norman Robinson Stakes at Caulfield.
Settled towards the rear of the field, Mark Kavanagh's charge was always travelling well and progressing around the turn, took the lead at the top of the straight. With his rivals unable to match his impressive acceleration, Shamoline Warrior (pictured, by Bronwen Healy) moved clear and won the ten-furlong content by a length and a half.
Shamoline Warrior certainly has the pedigree to take the Derby, being a half-brother to last year’s winner Rebel Raider who is by fellow Darley stallion Reset. They were bred by Toorak Park Stud and are from the Dehere mare Picholine who also has a two-year-old filly by Exceed And Excel.
Shamardal also recorded two new Black type performers on Saturday when three-year-old colt Weasley finished second in the Listed Jayco Stakes at Caulfield, whilst Happy Hippy took the same slot in the Listed Brian Crowley Stakes at Randwick.
Closer to home, Refuse To Bend recorded a new Stakes winner when his three-year-old daughter Alaiyma landed the Listed Navigation Stakes at Cork.
Owned and bred by HH The Aga Khan, she becomes the second Black type winner out of the Darshaan mare Alasana, herself a half-sister to Group winners Altayan and Altashar.
