Strap yourself in for a superstar showdown at Shepparton today.
Sprint sensations Shima Shine (Box 6), Zambora Smokey (Box 7) and Who Told Stevie (Box 8) will strive for supremacy in Race 7 at 4.46pm.
It’s an intriguing race, purely given the sheer class of this ultra-talented trio.
Dual Group 1 finalist Shima Shine has been quick to recapture his best form following a three-month spell.
In fact, he defeated the desperately unlucky Who Told Stevie by 6.6L in a scintillating 23.44sec at Bendigo last Friday.
A finalist in last year’s G1 Topgun (6th) and this year’s G1 Silver Chief (7th), Shima Shine (Nov ’17 Barcia Bale x Shima Song) is making his Shepparton debut. He’s won 14 races from 23 starts.
Zambora Smokey (Apr ’18 Zambora Brockie x Zambora Cross) toppled Australia’s No. 1 sprinter Simon Told Helen in last month’s G2 Warrnambool.
He then journeyed to Bendigo for two starts prior to posting a flying 24.89sec win over Yozo Bale at Ballarat on June 3. He’s won 13 races from 19 starts – including nine of his past 11. And he boasts a slick 24.92sec PB over 450m at Shepparton.
Who Told Stevie (Jan ’18 Barcia Bale x Who Told Lindylu) is in a similar boat to Shima Shine, having only recently resumed after a four-month lay-off. He’s also contesting his first race at Shepparton.
He bounced back brilliantly with successive best-of-night heat and final wins over Bill Bath at Ballarat (25.03sec & 24.94sec) before a luckless second to Shima Shine at Bendigo last week.
Who Told Stevie was runner-up to his litter brother Simon Told Helen in last year’s G3 Great Chase and fourth to his star sibling in this year’s G1 Silver Chief. He’s won 10 races from 16 starts and is undefeated in two starts from Box 8.
Here’s what expert form analyst The Watchdog says:
SHIMA SHINE (TAB odds – $2.50)
Trainer: Andrea Dailly
“Announced his arrival back to the big-time last start and he just needs a little room early on.”
ZAMBORA SMOKEY (TAB odds – $2.00)
Trainer: Jason Thompson
“Broke the clock at Ballarat last time, big threat”.
WHO TOLD STEVIE (TAB odds – $3.00)
Trainer: David Burnett
“Desperately unlucky at Bendigo last time and he may be able to turn the tables on Shima Shine.”
