Ishiguru’s (Danzig – Strategic Maneuver, by Cryptoclearance) red-hot son Shenzhou Steeds (Ishiguru – Sun City, by Spectacular Love) posted his third Stakes win in contemptuous fashion in Saturday’s Listed Caloundra Cup.
Shenzhou Steeds put his unbeaten record in Queensland on the line in the $200,000 event. The four-year-old overcame a bog track, a rise to 2400 metres and 58kg to record a seven-length win.
Shenzhou Steeds raced just off the speed before showing a terrific turn of foot at the end of a race run in sapping track conditions to defeat the perennial placegetter Anudjawun (Yamanin Vital – Perceptible, by Personal Escort) and Winmara (Marwina – Nebula Odyssey, by Star Way).
Shenzhou Steeds joined Moroney’s Australian team after his brother Paul secured the gelding on behalf of stable clients. Moroney said Shenzhou Steeds has improved markedly since moving to Australia, giving him the confidence to consider a spring campaign for the rising five-year-old.
“When he arrived here last year we couldn’t get him to eat but this year he’s really improved out of sight,” Moroney said. “Looking at him now, he’s much stronger and his mental attitude is a whole lot better than it was a year ago.
“Initially my idea was to run him next in the Grafton Cup then give him the spring off and look at Sydney in the autumn. But the way he won that race I haven’t completely closed the door on the spring with him.
“It’s certainly given me a bit to think about so I’ll mull it over in the next few days before I make a final decision.”
Shenzhou Steeds is one of six individual Stakes winners for the former shuttle stallion, who died in 2009.