Malua Racing is looking at a start for Shezaten in the time-honoured Bagot Handicap following her tenacious victory on her home track at Flemington on Saturday.
The four-year-old Handsome Ransom mare was well rated in front by Singapore-bound Stephen Baster in the Bitalli Hcp (2540m).
Shezaten winning the Bitalli Handicap at Flemington - photo by Race Horse Photos Australia
Sent out at $7, the John Sadler-trained Shezaten held on to score by a nose in a desperate go to the line ahead of New Zealand-trained stayer Supremacy ($4) with Apprehend ($3.50 fav) a length away third.
Shezaten was earlier prepared by Tony Vasil and ran sixth to Brazilian Pulse in the 2010 VRC Oaks (2500m).
She was transferred to Malua Racing for her current campaign and has won two of her five starts for her new stable, Saturday being her first metropolitan success and taking her overall record to four wins from 15 starts.
Malua Racing manager Troy Corstens said the mare had been freshened up at the stable’s Ballarat stables since her last run when fourth to Sea Galleon over 2400m at Sandown on November 26.
“She just came down this week to Flemington to race again,” Corstens said.
“We freshened her up doing that which has obviously been the key to it so the guys at Ballarat have done a great job.
“The facilities at Ballarat are amazing and we are very lucky to have it.”
The Listed $150,000 Bagot Hcp (2800m) is at Flemington on January 2.
Baster, 37, said he would take up a six-month contract with the Singapore Turf Club from mid-January.
“I’m looking forward to it, it’s a new experience, a new challenge and hopefully it goes well,” he said.
Baster said he was asked to apply and he spoke to trainer Dale Sutton, for whom he has been stable rider for four years.
“We’re a bit quiet at the moment, Dale has only 30 horses in work so it works out well for both of us. They probably won’t need a full-time jockey at the moment and the boss (Sutton) has given his blessing,” he said.
Baster said he had twice been based in Hong Kong on riding contracts earlier in his career.
“It was about 10 years ago and I was young and silly back then,” he said.
“I didn’t know how to do form or anything like that so I’m really looking forward to getting there and working hard and doing everything right.”
Baster’s career spans more than 20 years and he has chalked up 11 Group One winners including Oakleigh Plate and Newmarket Handicap victories aboard Mookta and a Futurity Stakes on Aqua D’Amore.
AAP TURF
