High Priced Shalaa Colt Looks Leading Chance

Trained by John Sadler for Stanley Ho'sLegend Racing Pty Ltd (Mgr: K K Ho), 2YO colt Cheerful Legend (Shalaa-Jemison, by Commands), the most expensive yearling from the first Australian crop of his Invincible Spirit sire steps up to the 1400m of the IVE> Print Handicap on Wednesday at Sandown Hillside, where the Michael Dee-ridden colt looks a solid chance to break his maiden. Fourth at his only two starts to date, the colt has form around the promising Inglis Millennium third-placed Pegasi (Star Turn) and  last start winner Lightsaber (Zoustar), who will carry top weight in this race. Consigned through the draft of Arrowfield Stud at the 2020 Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Cheerful Legend is one of 14 runners from the first local crop of the Arrowfield shuttler Shalaa (Invincible Spirit) which includes Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner and Group 1 Golden Slipper candidate Shaquero (Shalaa-Fimatino, by Not A Single Doubt). Raced by the same connections as Everest winner Classique Legend, if this colt reaches the heights expected by his connections, he could potentially do his future racing in Hong Kong.

Cheerful Legend was a sought-after yearling (pic: magicmillions.com.au)