Lady Shenandoah has been acquainted with the stage that will this weekend be the scene of her first start in Melbourne.
The Chris Waller-trained star on Monday morning had a low-key familiarisation gallop around the Moonee Valley circuit, which will host the $2 million Manikato Stakes on Friday night.
Waller was happy with how the daughter of Snitzel handled the surrounds and is excited about showcasing her in Melbourne in the 1200-metre Group 1.
“She had a good look around pre-work, so we didn’t do too much with her on the track and she did enough in herself to keep her stimulated,” Waller said.
“She’s pretty fit, her first-up run was terrific and she’s ready to run Friday night.”
All eight of the four-year-old’s starts have been right-handed north of the Murray River, winning five of eight including the Flight Stakes (1600m), Surround Stakes (1400m) at Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Group 1 level.
Waller has no concerns with Lady Shenandoah’s first start anti-clockwise being in a Group 1 sprint around the tight The Valley circuit and she has done plenty of groundwork the Melbourne way of going.
“Probably once a week and a few gallops once we knew we were heading this way, which was quite early, so she’s been doing a lot of left-handed work,” Waller said before praising her physical attributes.
“Interestingly, she’s got a huge stride for a sprinter, in my opinion, but she’s very sharp.
“You saw first-up, she got herself out of jail and just about won the race in another stride, so that’s how dynamic she is and how effective she is.”
That first-up run was in the Group 3 Concorde Stakes (1000m), in which Lady Shenandoah narrowly failed to run down Headwall after being held up for much of the home straight.
“She was (unlucky), but that’s racing, and most importantly she showed us she’s got speed,” Waller said.
“It was a big gamble bringing her back to 1000, she acquitted herself pretty well and 1200 will just be that bit better for her.”
Lady Shenandoah is among 13 nominations for the Manikato Stakes, which also features Moir Stakes victor Baraqiel, Magic Time and Skybird.
Headlining Friday night’s undercard is the $500,000 Group 2 Feehan Stakes (1600m), which will again have a small field with just seven entries, but among them is last year’s winner Pride Of Jenni and brilliant Memsie Stakes winner Treasurethe Moment.
