Blake Shinn expects Shanwah to develop into a handy stayer after being trapped three-wide in the early stages of the Group 2 Autumn Classic (1800m) before proving too strong.
Shanwah won his maiden at Mornington before rising to 1800m to win a benchmark 64 on the Caulfield Heath, completing the hat-trick at his first try at Stakes company.
“There was a bit of sorting itself out in the early stages but once we were able to obtain a bit of cover behind Emphasize, I was very happy because he’s got a pretty lethal turn foot for a middle-distance style of horse,” Shinn said.
“He’s a capable galloper and going places this horse. Full credit to Ciaron (Maher) and the team here in Melbourne, they’ve got a good handle on him.
“He’s a cheeky little bugger because as he’s got fitter and got up to his right distance he’s just come into his own.”
Ciaron Maher indicated the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) at Moonee Valley on March 22 may be a suitable option for Shanwah.