Progressive stayer Shamida has Group 1 aspirations Dermot Weld holds Shamida in high regard and she may now be aimed at the highest level after landing the Comer Group International Irish St Leger Trail Stakes at the Curragh. The Aga Khan homebred daughter of Australia faced three rivals, all trained by Joseph O’Brien, after Eldar Eldarov (illness) and Library (change in going) were both absentees. Chris Hayes sent the well-backed 5/4 favourite to the front well over a furlong out but she had to stay well to hold off the challenge of Dawn Rising by half-a-length. The pair pulled six lengths clear of the front-running Okita Soushi in third. Weld said, “She was in Cork on Friday night but we withdrew her because of the ground. She’s a good actioned filly and would never want the ground too soft. “I’d say she will have one more run this year and I’d say it will be the Prix Royallieu, it’s the Group 1 mile and six for fillies and mares. It’s kind of written for her. “This is a very game, tough three-year-old. She’s an immature filly and I think she will improve. “Two of the horses she faced today won at Royal Ascot and it was a very good trial. “She’s a stayer with speed.”
