Poor racing manners cost Rebel Shadow a last-start victory but there were no such issues for the three-year-old at Randwick on Saturday as he unleashed a powerful finish to score.
Ridden a patient race by apprentice Tyler Schiller, Rebel Shadow settled back in the field and charged late towards the inside to prevail in a busy finish.
Schiller said he was mindful of keeping the gelding focused on his job after the horse loomed up to score at Randwick last start but twice veered out badly in response to the whip.
“He is definitely a thinker,” Schiller said.
“Last start, I had the whip in the right (hand) and had him run off the track on me.
“Today, he didn’t make those mistakes and he’s shown that he has got plenty of ability.”
Trained by Gary Portelli, Rebel Shadow is a son of Rebel Dane, the same sire as stablemate Fireburn and like the Golden Slipper winner, a Laurel Oak Bloodstock syndication.
While his victory over Pretty Wild ($4.40) in Saturday’s Precise Air Handicap (1300m) was narrow, it was also convincing, and Schiller felt Rebel Shadow ($17) was still open to further improvement.
“He’s got some extreme turn of foot on him,” Schiller said.
“He got back in a slow-run race today and he was overdoing it, but I was happy to just keep saving ground and finding bums.
“When he got out at the 150, geez he let go and he was really strong through the line.”
Po Kare Kare started an easing $3.60 favourite and had nothing go her way when she was caught wide and in an awkward position midfield.
She briefly ranged up turning for home before tiring to finish seventh in a forgivable performance.
