Soho Park Avenue shines in Shakamaker Classic

Trainer Michael Stanley continues to go from strength to strength as evidenced when his promising harness racing youngster Soho Park Avenue (Bettors Delight) led all the way to take out the IRT Shakamaker two year old classic at Melton on Saturday evening.

Driven by close friend Luke McCarthy, Soho Park Avenue worked his way to the lead from barrier 6.

Favourite Most Exciting was caught wide early with driver Ryan Sanderson having to race outside the leader.

The winner’s stablemate Soho Charmer with Michael Stanley driving was the early leader but surrendered the front to take the trail behind the leader. Betterleftalone was driven a superb race to come off the rails to secure the one out and one back trail.

Soho Park Avenue shifted out under pressure and for a fleeting moment it looked as if Soho Charmer might issue a serious challenge. But Soho Park Avenue showed great heart and he was able to repel the challenge to score by just under two metres from Soho Charmer with Most Exciting in third place.

SOHO PARK AVENUE OCT 18 REPLAY

The winner recorded a most impressive mile rate of 1.54 and ran his last 400 metres in a quick 26.5 seconds.

Trainer Michael Stanley was full of praise for Soho Park Avenue.

“He’s a super little two year old. He’s such a professional with gate speed. Being a Bettors Delight he does only what he needs to do.”

“But Soho Charmer isn’t that far behind him.”

“They’re all VicBred so I’ll stay here in Victoria to prepare them for the Series.”

“they’ll also be prepared for the Derbies next year and I’m confident that Soho Park Avenue will be able to stay longer distances as he gets older.”

Stanley still has his Ballarat stables near Burrumbeet in addition to having shifted his main operations to Menangle Park.

Most Exciting who was making his debut will be much improved by that effort and should run better at his next appearance.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink