Harness racing trainer Sam Dimarco would have been a very happy man last night when his high class two year old Shadow Runner bounced back from his disqualification at his prior start by winning his semi-final of the New South Wales Breeders Challenge in a manner which suggested that Waikiki Beach won't have it all his own way in the final in a fortnight.
Away well from barrier one for driver Michael Formosa, Shadow Runner settled three back on the inner as El Major set the tempo in front.
Passing the 900 metres mark, Michael angled the son of Shadow Play into the running line and went up and sat on the wheel of El Major passing the 800 metres mark.
When asked for an effort as they turned for home, Shadow Runner found plenty and sprinted away for an impressive victory.
What added further merit to his effort apart from the winning time of 1:53.6 in the cool conditions was the closing sectionals of 55.4 and 27.1 which stamped the two year old as one high class race horse.
Brought by Marissa Dimarco for her father to train when he was going through a particularly difficult time, the son of Shadow Play was recently the subject of a six figure offer.
After much deliberation, Melissa decided to turn the offer down believing that the horse meant to much to the family to sell him.
"I can't sell Shadow Runner, he has been a very special horse for my family and I couldn't bring myself to sell him, he's not for sale."
"Dad said with that sort of money I could go out and buy another yearling but it isn't about the money for me, the horses are my hobby," Marissa said
The win took Shadow Runners earnings in his two year year to over $95,000 and he is now a live chance in the $125,000 final in two weeks.
Harnesslink Media