Jockey Blake Shinn, who has yet to secure a win in the Victoria Derby, is convinced that Murshidi possesses the necessary qualifications to win the upcoming Classic at Flemington.
Murshidi, trained by Ciaron Maher, is progressing towards the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday week, following his successful outing in the Listed Geelong Classic (2200m) on Wednesday.
“He was probably the best stayer on the day, and he’s trained by Ciaron, which helps and he’s built nicely into the prep,” Shinn conveyed.
“He had a good run, he presented nicely and when the chips were down, he had to show a bit of intestinal fortitude.
“That’s what he did. It was a good effort to win.”
Murshidi ($3.70) achieved a narrow long-head victory against Icy You ($7.50), with the $2.60 favourite True Tone finishing a further three-quarters of a length adrift in third.
Shinn indicated his confidence in Murshidi’s ability to handle the 300-metre increase in distance for the Derby, believing the gelding, who recorded his first win on Wednesday, can be a competitive contender.
“Last year I rode Arcora in this race and it was a little bit unlucky (finishing fifth), and it went on to run second in the Derby,” Shinn stated. “This horse has won it and I think he’ll run the trip.
“There’s a little bit of talent there and he’s worthy of taking his place and can run well.”
Murshidi is a son of Maurice, the sire responsible for Hitotsu, who gave Maher his first Derby success in 2021.
Maher commented that Hitotsu had more speed than Murshidi, but he rates the three-year-old as a stayer.
“That was this horse’s maiden win, so it was a nice way to do it,” Maher reported. “The $3 million Derby looks like a nice target to have next start.
“He’s a different style of horse (to Hitotsu). I don’t think he has the same turn-of-foot as Hitotsu but he’s a strong horse and he has prepped up really well.
“The team at Ballarat, they are thriving. They keep pulling them out, these stayers, and Blake looked in control a long way from home. (It was a) beautiful ride by him.”
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