Although jockey Blake Shinn has not yet won the Victoria Derby, he is confident that Murshidi has the pedigree to win the Flemington Classic.
The Ciaron Maher-trained Murshidi is on a course for the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington next Saturday, following his victory in the Listed Geelong Classic (2200m) on Wednesday.
“He was probably the best stayer on the day, and he’s trained by Ciaron, which helps and he’s built nicely into the prep,” Shinn explained.
“He had a good run, he presented nicely and when the chips were down, he had to show a bit of intestinal fortitude.
“That’s what he did. It was a good effort to win.”
Murshidi ($3.70) secured a long-head victory over Icy You ($7.50), with the $2.60 favourite True Tone finishing a further three-quarters of a length back in third.
Shinn expressed his belief that Murshidi will manage the 300-metre increase in distance for the Derby, and feels the gelding, who achieved his first win on Wednesday, is a viable contender.
“Last year I rode Arcora in this race and it was a little bit unlucky (finishing fifth), and it went on to run second in the Derby,” Shinn said. “This horse has won it and I think he’ll run the trip.
“There’s a little bit of talent there and he’s worthy of taking his place and can run well.”
Murshidi, a son of Maurice, shares his sire with Hitotsu, who provided Maher with his maiden Derby triumph in 2021.
Maher noted that Hitotsu had greater speed than Murshidi, but he considers the three-year-old a stayer.
“That was this horse’s maiden win, so it was a nice way to do it,” Maher commented. “The $3 million Derby looks like a nice target to have next start.
“He’s a different style of horse (to Hitotsu). I don’t think he has the same turn-of-foot as Hitotsu but he’s a strong horse and he has prepped up really well.
“The team at Ballarat, they are thriving. They keep pulling them out, these stayers, and Blake looked in control a long way from home. (It was a) beautiful ride by him.”
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