New Shuffle in dramatic win

Melton’s night semi finals of the APG VicBred Super Bred Series commenced in dramatic circumstances with New Shuffle (American Ideal) leading all the way to take out the first heat for three year old colts and geldings.

In a keenly contested event New Shuffle was able to hold the early lead by driver James Herbertson from the promising Zemirio and Soho The Real Deal initially caught three wide. Both these pacers were able to secure a one out trail when the South Australia Derby winner Forty Love was sent around the field to race alongside New Shuffle.

Nathan Jack had guided Its Confidential to race behind the leader. The first major move from the rear was Golden Tribe coming around three wide.

To the surprise of many Forty Love continued to give plenty of cheek and he was eyeballing New Shuffle on the final bend. It looked as if Forty Love might score a surprise win but he unexpectedly galloped in the last 100 metres and although It’s Confidential was slowly making up ground along the inside New Shuffle hung to win by one and a half metres and Forty Love held down third position.

The other qualifiers for next week’s Final were Golden Tribe, Zenario and Fire Marshall.

NEW SHUFFLE NOV 15 REPLAY

New Shuffle who rated 1.54.8 has been amongst the most improved three year olds this. He’s prepared by veteran trainer Philip Chircop.

It was back to immediate home success for Herbertson who only 24 hours before guided exciting filly Tracy The Jet to win the $500,000 Ascent at Addington.

It’s debatable whether Forty Love might have won had he not galloped when he did. But his run showed that his depth of stamina and staying power.

Regarding next week’s $100,000 Final the first three placegetters appear the best prospects and It’s Confidential who finished runner up could well go one better in the Final.

James Herbertson was gracious in the win acknowledging that Forty Love had the better of New Shuffle.

I think he had our measure. We were always travelling better than him first half on the clock it looked quick we were just comfortable doing it. I sort of had him covered coming around the turn he sort of knuckled down and we kept going the same speed. I’d say we got pretty lucky there.

Philip is a great horseman. He’s been away this week over in New Zealand. We flew back on the same plane this morning. To his team at home they’ve done a good job keeping him ticking along and get him here tonight.

Back to Phil he does a really good job with them. It’s a pleasure driving for him.

Aaron Dunn was at a loss to explain the incident.

I don’t know what happened he’s decided to throw away the race.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink