John Sadler says he felt like an intruder after a mare only recently transferred to his stable scored a valuable stakes race win at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate day.
Shoko was trained by Peter Morgan who recently sent his horses to his mate Sadler and took a step back from training after the property he was training at was put on the market.
Last weekend at Caulfield, the former Morgan-trained Sircconi won a Group Three race and on Saturday Shoko added a front-running win in the Group Three Powerflo Solutions Stakes (1600m).
Both Morgan and Sadler were on hand to celebrate.
Sadler said it was an important win for the five-year-old mare, her first stakes victory in her sixth start after making her debut in August.
“I’m just happy for all concerned,” Sadler said.
“They paid good money for this horse and she’s now won a Group Three race. It just enhances her value like you wouldn’t believe.”
It was a satisfying win for jockey Linda Meech who has been aboard in all of Shoko’s races.
Meech controlled the race on Shoko ($9) and kicked away rounding the home turn before holding off Mamzelle Tess ($16) by a half neck.
Princess Posh ($9) was another 1-3/4 lengths away third.
“Isn’t she just a star,” Meech said.
“She’s done me so proud. I just love this filly. I’ve loved her since she was a yearling.
“I can’t tell you how much fun she is to ride. She’s got plenty of attitude but she’s got plenty of guts, too.”
