Jockey Blake Shinn, despite not having a Victoria Derby victory to his name, feels Murshidi possesses the qualities needed to clinch the prestigious Classic at Flemington.
The Ciaron Maher-trained Murshidi is now firmly on track for the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday week, following his win in the Listed Geelong Classic (2200m) this past 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 commented.
“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, starting at $3.70, secured a narrow long-head victory over Icy You ($7.50), with the favoured True Tone ($2.60) finishing a further three-quarters-of-a-length behind in third.
Shinn expressed confidence that Murshidi can handle the 300-metre increase in distance for the upcoming Derby, believing the gelding, who achieved his first career win on Wednesday, is capable of being a strong 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 recalled. “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 is a progeny of Maurice, the same sire as Hitotsu, who provided Maher with his initial Derby success back in 2021.
Maher noted that Hitotsu possessed greater speed compared to Murshidi, but he expressed favour for the three-year-old as a stayer.
“That was this horse’s maiden win, so it was a nice way to do it,” Maher stated. “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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