Written by Paul Vettise
Shadow Hero (Pierro) retained his stable’s G1 Spring Champion S. title when he successfully completed his first mission at the highest level and trimmed his already cramped odds for an upcoming Classic test.
He is prepared by Mark Newnham, who recorded the first Group 1 victory of his training career 12 months ago when Maid Of Heaven (Smart Missile) claimed top honours in this race.
The exciting Shadow Hero had no trouble emulating the feat of his former stablemate at Randwick where he produced a superior staying performance to see off his rivals.
“It’s pretty special and last year we came here a 10 or 12-1 chance and this time we were expected to win,” Newnham said.
“I’ve thought for the last three months that this was the race for him and it’s terrific when a plan comes together.
“He’s had a faultless preparation. I’ve thought for a long time that he was good enough.”
“He’s had a faultless preparation. I’ve thought for a long time that he was good enough.” – Mark Newnham
Shadow Hero raced in midfield on the fence before angling into the clear before the turn and he produced a sustained finish to justify his short quote.
“From the 300 he had a lot of work to do, but he’s a real staying talent. He’s a really clean-winded animal and every time he gallops he hardly blows,” Newnham said.
The campaign’s focus will now shift to Melbourne and the target set for the 3-year-old at the outset of his spring preparation, the G1 VRC Derby.
Shadow Hero is raced by Hong Kong owner David Lui, who has been with Newnham since he started his training career, and bought the horse out of Newgate Farm’s draft for $260,000 at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.
Shadow Hero as a yearling
He is a son of Sookie (Casino Prince), who won four races including the G3 Glenlogan Park S., and she is a grand-daughter of the former champion 2-year-old filly Victory Vein (Mr Henrysee {USA}).
She was successful in the G1 Sires’ Produce S. and the G1 Champagne S. and also claimed the G2 Silver Shadow S.
Parr pulls right rein
Shadow Hero was ridden by Josh Parr and a satisfying result for the jockey, who opted to partner the gelding ahead of another regular ride in Castelvecchio (Dundeel {NZ}), who finished runner-up in the hands of Brenton Avdulla.
Josh Parr (left)
“I heard him coming and he had a good crack late, but my guy pinned his ears back,” Parr said. “The horse ticks every box and he certainly makes my job easy.
“Shadow Hero is a class animal and he’s been prepared perfectly by Mark and his team. In such a short time he’s done remarkable things, I’ve worked with some very good trainers and Mark is certainly up there.”
