Woodside Park’s Shalaa produced his fifth stakes winner of the season when Jennilala produced a tough performance to win the Group III Matron Stakes (1600m) at Flemington for her new trainer.
Having previously won the Group III Auraria Stakes in Adelaide when trained by Ciaron Maher, this was her first start for Gavin Bedggood and her first run since October.
Ridden by Craig Newitt, the five-year-old settled with a nice run just off the pace and maintained a determined finish to defeat Charisse (Churchill) by half a length with Wrote To Arataki (Wrote) third.
“I actually wanted to go to the 14 today but Tony (Ottobre) gave me a nudge to go to this race,” said Bedggood.
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uo;I really wanted to draw a low gate with her where she ‘d get that third or fourth run.
“It just worked out perfectly.
The win takes her record to five wins, three seconds, and a third from 16 starts with earnings of $519,770.
Jennilala was a $70,000 purchase for Tony Ottobre from Arrowfield Stud at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.
Bred by Arrowfield and Redbank, Jennilala is the best of three winners from six to race for Manhattan Rain mare Rosarian, a half-sister to stakes winning juvenile Members Joy.
Rosarian died last year, with her last foal, a yearling filly by North Pacific passed in when offered at the Inglis Classic Sale this year.
Shalaa has done an excellent job since relocating to Victoria’s Woodside Park from Arrowfield.
His five stakes winners this season include Group I Moir Stakes winner Mornington Glory, and his 67 winners sees him in the top 20 sires by winners.
There are two yearlings from Jennilala’s family coming up at yearling sales:
Adelaide Yearling Sale: Lot 15 by Captivant - Phoenix Broodmare Farm
Australian Easter Yearling Sale: Lot 54 by Snitzel - Newgate Farm
