Vashka Up For Shannon Stakes

Time/Date - 16.25hrs local time/Saturday, September 26, 2015
Racecourse/Country - Caulfield/Australia
Surface/Distance - Turf/7f 110y

Vashka returns to an extended seven furlongs for the Group Two Leonay Plumbing Shannon Stakes at Rosehill Gardens, Australia, on Saturday, September 26.

The five-year-old son of Exceed And Excel scored at the same course on his only previous appearance over the distance in December, when taking a handicap by a two and a half lengths - one of five consecutive wins last season.

He has made two appearances over shorter trips this season and was seventh on his latest outing in the extended six-furlong Group Two Theo Marks Stakes at Rosehill Gardens on September 12.

Vashka ran a better race to come home third, beaten a neck and a nose, on his seasonal return in the Group Three SKY Thoroughbred Central Show County Quality over six furlongs at Royal Randwick on August 22.

John O'Shea commented: "Vashka was very unlucky on his last start, when the jockey failed to be positive coming out of the gates. From gate eight and with no weight, he will roll forward outside the lead and steps out to 1,500 metres.

"He has had one go at the 1,500 metres before for a win at Rosehill and consequently I am expecting a much improved performance from him here."

Vashka, the mount of Sam Clipperton for the second time, faces 10 opponents including Group Two scorer Ninth Legion, Group One Toorak Handicap fourth Akavoroun and the progressive God's In Him.