Somehow it took Shalaa three-year-old Shalaa Gold six starts to win his maiden, although he did face some strong ones, but he was certainly impressive getting the first win up at Warwick Farm on Monday.
Prior to the race he’d finished second four times from his five starts, including one occasion behind Emirate which won next start and was beaten 2,5 lengths in the Group I Golden Rose, and on another behind Private Life who subsequently became a Group I Caulfield Guineas winner.
His previous run was a fifth in the Magic Millions Maiden from a wide gate on a heavy track and he was sent to the gate for this Warwick Farm race as the odds-on favourite.
Ridden by Josh Parr, the Bjorn Baker trained gelding went to the front and was never in any real danger, winning with his ears pricked over Everybody Rise (Snitzel) with Jacob's Ladder (Written By) third.
Shalaa Gold was a $220,000 purchase for Bjorn Baker Racing/Clarke Bloodstock Pty Ltd (FBAA) from the Emirates Park draft at the MM Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
He’s the fifth winner from five to race for Murtajill mare Murtle Turtle with the yearling by Anders set to be offered by Mogumber Park as Lot 96 at the Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale.
Shalaa Gold is the 57th season winner Woodside Park's Shalaa, including four stakes winners.
