Trainer Gai Waterhouse is now thinking of stepping Shumookh back up to the 1600m in the Myer Classic after the mare led all of the way to win the Group 2 $200,000 Schweppes Tristarc Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield today.

Shumookh,above, led all of the way to win the 2018 Tristarc Stakes at Caulfield. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.

Shumookh,above, led all of the way to win the 2018 Tristarc Stakes at Caulfield. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.

Shumookh made it two wins from her last three starts for jockey Tim Clark and the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott trained mare will head towards the Group 1 $500,000 Empire Rose Stakes (formerly Myer Classic) (1600m) at Flemington on November 3.

“I’ve always believe she will run a mile,” Waterhouse said.

Waterhouse praised the winning ride of Clark and she that he deserved the victory today.

“Tim does the miles. He comes to the track very regularly. He is very much part of Adrian and my team, he understands the horses,” Waterhouse said.

“She was coming back in trip and we knew that if she was back in the field she would feel it harder.”

Clark let Shumookh ($8) stride straight to the front and the four year old mare was never headed and went on to record a one and three quarter lengths wins over the Chris Waller trained Invincibella ($2.90 favourite)

The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace trainer $26 outsider Aloisia showed a glimpse of a return to form with an encouraging third.

Shumookh is now an $11 chance for the Myer Classic at Ladbrokes.com.au.

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.