Trainer Mick Shepherdson did not have to wait as long for his second city success in Melbourne as he did for his first.
Shepherdson has held a trainers’ licence for around 10 years, although for a time he was the stable foreman for Tony McEvoy at Flemington.
Going back out on his own in 2024, Shepherdson had to wait until May 16 for Ghetto Superstar to supply the now Geelong-based horseman with his first Melbourne metropolitan win at Flemington, despite the trainer being a six-time metropolitan winner in Adelaide.
Ghetto Superstar was back in the winners’ enclosure, again at Flemington on Saturday, when he took out the Flemington Community Plate (2000m).
Ridden by Neil Farley, Ghetto Superstar ($41) scored a three-quarter length win from Star Of India ($31) with Zahrann ($4.60) a half-neck away third.
“We got good confidence from his win last start here,” Shepherdson said.
“He’s a big horse, he likes Flemington and I know it’s a benchmark 100 by name, but he gets in well on the minimum.
“He enjoys the trip where he can flow and finish off.
“Neil has really clicked with him, and I think getting on the big, flat track, he can go through his gears.”
Shepherdson said Saturday’s race was divided up into three sections which the trainer said Farley summed up perfectly.
“First, try and be a little bit closer, then try and edge off where everyone wanted to be and then the key, if you’re still travelling, get to where you wanted to go,” Shepherdson said.
“Neil summed it up so well and it’s a big thrill to get another winner at Flemington.”
Shepherdson said he was unsure whether to press on with Ghetto Superstar while he is in good form or give the gelding a break.
“The last race he won here was part of the Banjo Paterson Series and the final is 2500 metres, but 2000 is as far as we want to go with him,” Shepherdson said.
“Coming here today, I was thinking of giving him a break, but we’ll have to reassess that as he’s in such a great vein of form.”
