Already the sire of a Group I VRC Victoria Derby winner in Hitotsu, Maurice (Jpn) has produced two new stakes-winners in the past week in Kosaji and Murshidi that both have designs on the staying classic that will carry $3million in prizemoney this year.
The Phillip and Tommy Stokes trained colt Kosaji won the Listed SAJC Hill Smith Stakes (1800m) in Adelaide last Saturday and today it was the turn of the Ciaron Maher trained gelding Murshidi, who broke his maiden in the $200,000 Listed Geelong Classic (2200m).
Stepping up to stakes class at his fifth race start, Murshidi had placed in maiden races at Cranbourne and Bendigo at his past two starts and found the rise in distance very much to his liking.
Ridden by Blake Shinn, he was tenacious to the line and did best in a three way finish to win by a neck over Icy You with al length away to race favourite True Tone.
Geelong Classic | Murshidi Murshidi is off to the Derby and gives @blake_shinn his 2nd victory in the race ???? @cmaherracing ?? Ch. 78/68, Foxtel 529, Kayo or via our app REPLAYS: https://t.co/HEhdpozFmy https://t.co/THZ43Zagbf
— Racing.com (@Racing) October 21, 2026
“Probably the best stayer on the day won and he’s trained by Ciaron which helps,” said Blake Shinn.
“He had a good run and presented nicely and when the chips were down and he had to show a bit of intestinal fortitude, he did, so it was a good effort to win.
“Last year I rode Arcora in this race and he was a little bit unlucky and then went on to run second in the Derby and this horse has won today. I think he’ll run the trip and he has some talent so he’s worthy of taking there and he will run well.”
Murshidi was bred by Ciaron Maher in partnership and offered at Inglis Easter in the Arrowfield draft where he passed in shy of his $250,000 reserve.
A share in the horse was subsequently sold privately to Newtown Anner Stud’s Maurice Regan with Maher remaining in the ownership and Murshidi runs in Regan’s colours which were carried by his homebred Duke de Sessa (IRE) to win the 2024 Caulfield Cup.
"The $3 million Derby looks like a nice target to have next start!" See you on Derby Day, Murshidi ???? ?? Ch. 78/68, Foxtel 529, Kayo or via our app https://t.co/g2xfqopwVh
— Racing.com (@Racing) October 21, 2026
Murshidi is the first foal of Daleelaty, a winning Lonhro daughter of Group I placed Reemah with third dam Vormista a brilliant Group winning sprinter by Testa Rossa.
Daleelaty has an unnamed 2YO colt by Maurice and a yearling colt by Toronado (IRE), but no foal this year as she was not served in 2025.
Murshidi is the 38th stakes-winner for Arrowfield Stud based Maurice and is his fifth in Australia this season.
