Trainer Mark Newnham will chase more Group 1 wins during the Sydney Autumn Carnival with Shadow Hero following his win in the Group 1 $1m Mostyn Copper Randwick Guineas (1600m) at Randwick today.

Josh Parr, above, rode Shadow Hero to win the 2020 Randwick Guineas at Randwick. Photo by Steve Hart.

Josh Parr, above, rode Shadow Hero to win the 2020 Randwick Guineas at Randwick. Photo by Steve Hart.

Shadow Hero made it two Group 1 wins at Randwick from two race day appearances at the track courtesy of that brilliant ride from jockey Josh Parr who steered a winning course in between run from the top of the straight until the winning post.

The combination of Newnham, Parr and Shadow Hero tasted Group 1 glory with a win in the $1m Moet & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick during the 2019 Sydney Spring Carnival.

Parr settled Shadow Hero in the middle of the pack and started to make a forward move approaching the home turn.

Shadow Hero ($6) gradually gained momentum in the straight and appeared in between the leaders at the 250m before going on to record a three quarters of a length win over the $4.60 favourite Microphone.

Brandenburg ($5.50) raced in the first four for the majority of the race and battled on gamely to find third spot just ahead of the Chris Waller trained Reloaded ($12).

“He’s a fabulous animal. He’s got so much of his father about him. He pins those ears back. He just wants to win and when Josh got him into the clear at the top of the straight, he started to surge between them, I was pretty confident he would be the strongest late,” Newnham said.

“Physically he’s improved, mentally he’s improved. I think there is a lot more to come.”

Shadow Hero will now head to the Group 1 $600,000 Sky Racing Rosehill Guineas (2000m) at Rosehill on March 21 and then onto the Group 1 $2m Harrolds Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick on Day One of The Championships on April 4.

“We’ll follow the Rosehill Guineas/Derby plan. I don’t see any reason to change,” Newnham said.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.