Ex-Kiwi galloper Shakib ($2.25) broke through for a deserved victory at Naracoorte on Sunday, his first since landing in Australia. The lightly-raced six-year-old had strung three runner-up efforts together over staying trips, the drop back to 2000-metres after a short freshen up paying dividends for the gelded son of Proisir. Jockey Neil Farley was always in control of the race, settling leaders’ back on the fence throughout before peeling three wide at the 600-metre mark to pour on the pressure. Shakib took over at the two-furlong post, turning for home in front and only increasing his advantage in the final stages. Farley was soft on his mount late, the official margin posted at 2.6-lengths. “Couldn’t have worked out any better”, the winning jockey said post-race. “He’s very honest. Back to 2400-metres will really suit him now”.
Henry was pleased with the performance. “Good to get our first win with this horse, I think there’s more in store for him.
“We’ll be able to mix jumping and flat racing over a fair bit of ground”.
A hurdle trial at Warrnambool next Thursday is the next step for Shakib, who will likely feature in the early jumps meetings of the upcoming season.