Blake Shinn’s comeback continued to build momentum at Warwick Farm on Saturday with the former Sydney premiership winner claiming victory aboard Miss Spoken.
Shinn rode a winning double at Canterbury on Wednesday in his first Sydney appearance for 14 months and added another with a well-judged on-pace ride on Miss Spoken in Saturday’s Vili’s Bakery Handicap (1400m).
Blake Shinn's comeback continued to build momentum at Warwick Farm on Saturday - Photo by Steve Hart
The 24-year-old Melbourne Cup-winning hoop was disqualified for 12 months for illegal betting on races, and his comeback to the saddle was delayed even longer due to a slower than expected recovery from a broken leg sustained in a Melbourne Cup day fall in 2010.
Shinn said he was grateful for the support of trainers and owners and pleased with the instant success he has enjoyed on his return to Sydney racing.
“I have been preparing hard and gave myself every chance fitness-wise when I returned,” Shinn said.
“I got my eye in in Melbourne before coming back to Sydney and to me that was the key.
“I’m preparing the best I can, I’m relaxed about it all and I’m just really enjoying being back.”
Miss Spoken was back near the tail of the field and gave away too much ground at Kembla last start but Shinn took advantage of an inside barrier to have the filly in a forward position this time around.
The daughter of Stratum, who started $7.50, fought on gamely in the straight and had 1-1/2 lengths to spare over favourite Mickelberg ($5) on the line with half a length back to Oceanica ($51) in third.
Trainer Gary Portelli said he would consider whether to give Miss Spoken another start this month or back off and look towards the autumn carnival.
“I’d like to have a crack at something during the autumn so if we keep going now we wouldn’t be able to do that,” Portelli said.
“I might just pull up stumps if there’s nothing in a fortnight that suits.”
AAP TURF
