Coolmore Classic runner Shohisha benefits from second-up timing
While not a planned strategy, Shohisha's team has found themselves with the four-year-old heading into the Group 1 Coolmore Classic on the second-up preparation, which may work in her favour if past results are repeated.
Boasting three wins from four previous second-up starts, she bounced back from a small hiccup, and David Payne believes she is perfectly tuned up for her assignment at Rosehill Gardens this Saturday.
"She had a few setbacks along the way so that held us back a little bit," Payne said.
"She just kicked the box. Nothing serious, but once you treat them you can't run them.
"We're very happy with her. She is spot-on for Saturday."
Shohisha, successful on four occasions overall, returned to racing with a brave fourth to upcoming Coolmore Classic (1500m) foe Verona Rose in the Guy Walter Stakes (1500m) on February 28.
She holds a 4kg advantage at the set weights against that horse and draws barrier six for a central spot.
Trainer Payne nearly claimed the Coolmore Classic prize when Gallant Tess ran third to Typhoon Tracy in 2009 and stresses the importance of some fortune during the race for Shohisha.
"I think she will be competitive. We're going in happy with her, but in racing, you always need luck in running so hopefully it goes our way," he said.
"We have been patient with her. We haven't pushed her. We've just let her mature a bit because she was a light-framed baby."
Payne will additionally prepare Persian Wonder for the Pago Pago Stakes over 1200m, seeing it as useful experience en route to mile events later in the series.
"I doubt he could win that over 1200, but he will be running on strongly. They just might be a bit sharp for him," Payne said.
"He needs racing because he will be more effective over 1600 metres in those kind of races like the Fernhill Handicap or the Champagne Stakes."
Leading online bookmakers are offering strong racing betting markets for the Coolmore Classic this weekend.
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