Former Perth mare Sheidel had to survive a protest at Caulfield to land her first win in Melbourne for new owners.
After two luckless runs at Moonee Valley and Sandown where the daughter of Holy Roman Emperor bungled the start, Sheidel jumped away much better in Saturday’s Listed Bel Esprit Stakes.
Sheidel – Bel Esprit Stake
Sent out the $4 favourite, Sheidel was able to race closer under Damien Oliver and after hitting the lead early in the straight held off Girl Guide ($21) by a half-head with Under The Louvre ($6.50) a long head away third.
Dean Yendall, rider of the runner-up, fired in a protest against the winner after his mount was struck over the head with Oliver’s whip inside the 50m.
Yendall claimed the incident cost his mount three quarters of a length, however stewards weren’t comfortable the incident had cost Girl Guide the race.
Chief steward Terry Bailey said Oliver didn’t change his whip action in accidentally striking Girl Guide.
Sheidel is now Adelaide bound for the Group One Sangster Stakes at Morphettville on May 7 where she will join stablemate Miss Promiscuity.
Both mares are owned by Rob Crabtree and depending on their performances could head to The Goodwood at the same track two weeks later.
Lindsay Park co-trainer Tom Dabernig said the crossover noseband and the tongue tie were taken off Sheidel.
“We thought she was resenting it a bit and costing her at the start, but today she jumped and put herself right there, but almost over travelling,” Dabernig said.
The Lindsay Park stable gained extra confidence with Oliver chasing the ride.
“With our guys if they do the work and ride the trials we use them, but we’re always happy to use Damien when we can,” Dabernig said.
Girl Guide’s trainer Ciaron Maher said the mare could have her next start in either the Wangoom Handicap at Warrnambool on May 3 or the Sangster Stakes.
“She’s owned in Warrnambool so we’ll have a talk and about where they want to run her,” Maher said.
Yendall received some minor consolation when Doctor Care ($6) scored a narrow win in the following race, the Beck Property Group Plate, defeating the Darren Weir-trained stablemate Real Love.
