Robert Smerdon is delighted Ryan Moore has agreed to partner Shamal Wind in the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot next week.
The Australian trainer admits he still needs to do some more homework on Shamal Wind’s rivals, but he is confident she can impress on British soil.
The mare has tasted Group One glory in the past, having landed the Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield in February and Smerdon thinks having Moore on board will boost her chances at Royal Ascot next Tuesday.
“It looks like Ryan is going to be riding her, so we are delighted with that news and I’m sure he’ll do a great job,” Smerdon is quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
“She’s in very good form and all the reports since she arrived in England have been very positive.
“She took the flight well and has not lost too much weight, so that’s good news.
“It’s a bit hard to find an angle on all the local horses, but I’m going to talk to as many people as possible to see where we stand.”
Shamal Wind arrived in England last week and has since been based in Newmarket.
Smerdon’s charge is priced at 9.00 to win the King’s Stand Stakes, with Brazen Beau and Sole Power the current 6.00 joint favourites for the five-furlong showpiece on day one of Royal Ascot.
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