Special success for Shanahan
Sunday 12 August 2012
Pat Shanahan struck at Group Two level as My Special J's reversed form with the highly regarded Harasiya in the Keeneland Debutante Stakes at the Curragh.
My Special J's (12-1) had been second on her two previous starts, most recently to Harasiya at Leopardstown, where she was beaten over two lengths.
The pair fought it out inside the final furlong, with the Colm O'Donoghue-ridden My Special J's holding off the 2-5 favourite, who never looked happy on the rain-softened ground, to win by a neck.
The winner was introduced into the betting for the 1000 Guineas at 25-1 by Paddy Power.
Shanahan said: "I knew she was in super form, and she did a bit of work on Saturday morning that I was thrilled with. I felt she had definitely come on 7lb, although I wasn't happy to see the rain.
"We will give her a little break now as she has had three hard races, and she will probably go for the Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp (on Arc day).
"She's American-bred so we're hoping she will go on better ground. Jimmy (Long, owner) is a super man to train for and he just lets me get on with things. He's based in Dubai, so she could end up there over the winter."
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