Last year’s Bathurst Gold Crown winner Shadow Runner should have been back at the races by now. Harness racing trainer Sam Dimarco’s plans to trial the gelding in preparation for this Saturday night’s Simpson Memorial were thwarted on more than one occasion due to wet weather and therefore a decision was made to miss the three-year-old feature.
Owner Marissa Dimarco confirmed Shadow Runner and stablemate Gotta Go Gold have been nominated for Saturday night at Newcastle but the heavy rain may cause another change in plans.
“My property itself is fine as it is pretty high but we are flooded in, there’s water around us but we are pretty safe,” Marissa said.
“Sadly Shadow Runner has missed another trial and can’t be worked today (Wednesday) because of the weather but Dad (Sam Dimarco) will make the final decision on whether both of the horses will start.”
With heavy rain continuing to fall in the region, Marissa is concerned for other trainers as water levels continue to rise.
“I know of a few people having problems around Raymond Terrace and I see Maitland is in trouble again after going through the flood last year, my thoughts are with those people at the moment.”
While Gotta Go Gold made a successful racetrack return last month prior to Christmas, Shadow Runner is slightly behind schedule after putting on a lot of condition during his spell according to his trainer.
“Shadow Runner was spoiled too much during his time off so it has taken me a little bit longer than I would have liked to have him fit,” Sam Dimarco said.
“The plan initially was to have him back racing by now but he has now missed three trials because of the bad weather, there are plenty of options, they are both eligible for Bathurst again and the Breeders Challenge so everything should work out in the long run.”
Shadow Runner won $88,225 in eight starts as a two year old and recorded a 1:53.6 mile when winning his semi final of the NSW Breeders Challenge in June.
Greg Hayes