Shinn reunites with Lady Of Camelot
By Danny Matthews
Blake Shinn is ready to hop back aboard Lady Of Camelot in Gold Coast feature.
They reached the pinnacle of two-year-old racing together when winning the Golden Slipper last autumn and for the first time since April, Shinn takes the reins of Lady Of Camelot in the Magic Millions Sunlight – Queensland's new slot race – at the Gold Coast on Saturday.
The Sunlight, over 1100 metres and worth $3 million, is the highlight event on a bolstered card featuring Magic Millions-geared races as a prelude to the rich main day on January 11.
The $2.80 favourite for the Sunlight, Lady Of Camelot has not been missed by punters and on what the filly has shown in the lead-up, rightly so in Shinn's opinion after winning a barrier trial at Hawkesbury over 800 metres on December 16.
"I haven't been aboard since I rode her in the autumn but she had that great trial leading into this week and that all points in the right direction," Shinn said.
"It was such a great run in the Coolmore when she ran third to Miss Switzerland and she's the class horse in the race."
Barrier one is a further positive for Lady Of Camelot.
"It's great to be back aboard a superstar like her," Shinn added.
Shinn opened his winning account at Flemington on New Year's Day and heads to Queensland with a lucrative set of rides at the Gold Coast twilight meeting.
Golden Boom sharpened up for the $1 million The Syndicate by winning a 1000 metre barrier trial at Doomben on December 23 after winning the Listed Bribie Handicap at Eagle Farm on December 7.
Shinn finished second aboard the Tony Gollan-trained galloper in the Listed Carlyon Stakes at Moonee Valley in August.
"He's a consistent sprinter who puts himself right on the speed and he's a horse I'm excited to be riding. Moravia is another who looks very well placed and he's another talented horse," Shinn said.
