Group One Adelaide Goal for Shamal Wind

A sizzling sprinter on her day, talented Dubawi (IRE) mare Shamal Wind showed she was at her top with a strong finishing win at Flemington on Saturday.

The Robert Smerdon trained mare flew home to win the 1000 metre sprint by more than two lengths in a blistering 56:90 seconds.

Her trainer confirmed Shamal Wind is now headed to the Group I SAJC Robert Sangster Classic (1200m) at Morphettville in three weeks time.

“That should have her spot on for the Sangster now and three weeks into that race should be perfect for her,” Smerdon said.

“She was terrific to the line, she’s very genuine and a great competitor which is a great attribute for a mare.”

Shamal Wind was a $55,000 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale purchase for Aquanita Racing from the draft of Widden Stud and runs for the Lucas family for whom she has won six of 16 starts earning in excess of $446,000 in prizemoney.

Bred by Widden Stud in partnership, Shamal Wind is the first foal from Firemaid (USA), a winning half-sister by Machiavellian to stakes-winner Bezrin and to the dam of last year’s Group II winner Al Thankhira.

A grand-daughter of Group I winner My Darling One, Firemaid has a yearling colt by Group I producing sire Stratum that will be offered by Widden Stud as Lot 7 at the 2014 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

Fire Maid had no foal last year after missing in 2012 and was subsequently covered by Sebring.