A fierce come-from-behind chasing performance from Shima Shine at Shepparton this afternoon saw the popular speedster share first place with the brilliant Zambora Smokey in one of the races of the year.
Billed as the Shepparton Showdown, which also included fellow sprint sensation Who Told Stevie, the battle exceeded its lofty expectations.
Zambora Smokey, who recently strung together eight consecutive wins, got the early break on his opposition and looked to have the race sewn up.
However, Shima Shine, who holds Ballarat’s 450m track record, showed enormous character to draw level with the Warrnambool Cup winner as they crossed the finish line together.
Who Told Stevie was gallant in defeat, unable to make up the necessary ground, finishing 2.25L away in third place.
The winning time was 24.91sec, 2.5L off Hard Style Rico’s 450m track record.
