All The Way For Vashka At Caulfield

The bar will be raised for the consistent Vashka (John O'Shea/James McDonald) after his bold, front-running win in the 1400m, G3 Moonga Stakes at Caulfield, Australia, on Saturday, October 17.

Under a positive ride from James McDonald, Vashka quickly took up the running and had most of his opponents under pressure by the halfway mark.

Although Vashka maintained a strong pace McDonald encouraged another effort from the son of Exceed And Excel at the top of the straight where he pulled two lengths clear.

With most of those behind him giving ground, it was left to Under The Louvre to run on from the back, only to fail by a half-length to chase down Vashka.

Vashka's win came despite not having previously raced at the tricky Caulfield track.

"For the Sydney horses having their first go at Caulfield it is a big advantage to find the inside rail," said trainer John O'Shea.

"We've been coming close, hitting the cross bar a few times, so this win was most welcome."

O'Shea praised McDonald for his early aggression and for his shrewd judgement of pace.

"It was great ride. This horse loves to roll along and James showed a great understanding of that and also of the speed he was travelling at," he said.

O'Shea said Vashka, a winner of eight races for the stable, would now have a rest with a view to coming back into training for Melbourne's early autumn weight-for-age races.

"He deserves his chance in some of the better races early next autumn," he said.

"You can win them with sheer fitness before the best horses are at their peak."

On top of the list will be the G1 CF Orr Stakes over the same Caulfield 1400m in February.

McDonald also commended Vashka's effort.

"He's always been very honest, but the way he lifted after setting such a solid pace was the sign of a good horse," he said.