After winning her heat in good time at the official 2yo trials, the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott trained Too Darn Hot filly SHIKI went to the barriers as race favourite in Saturday’s $250,000 Group 3 Keeneland Gimcrack Stakes (1000m) and won by producing a fighting performance.
Going forward from the middle of the line under Tim Clark, the filly took up the running with Better Off Alone (Better Than Ready) on her outside while the leader was being tracked by stablemate Home Invasion (Home Affairs).
As they swung for home, Shiki maintained her lead, while the John Thompson trained Screen Icon (Nicconi) was starting to make good ground with fast closing sectionals. Shiki was still in front, but the swoopers were coming. Masvingo (Zoustar) and Oh Yes She Did (Yes Yes Yes), were the last two turning for home but were charging home.
When the camera flashed, Shiki (blue cap) had her head down to record a narrow victory from the long-priced Screen Icon while Masvingo ran third and Oh Yes She Did fourth were both these were eye-catching efforts.
Bred by Cornerstone Stud Farm Pty Ltd and Millar Racing, Shiki was initially offered at the Inglis Weanling Sale where she was secured for $150,000 by Riverstone Lodge.
SHIKI as a yearling
The filly was then reoffered at the Magic Millions yearling sale where she was knocked down to Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Racing for $420,000.
Shiki is one of two winners, and the first stakes winners from three to races from the Exceed And Excel mare Jest Excel, herself a half-sister to Group 2 Maribyrnong Plate winner Jiang – Blue Genes (HK).
Just Excel produced a filly by Ole Kirk the following season after Shiki and is due to foal this season to multiple Group 1 winner Artorius in his second season at stud.
Shiki became the 28th stakes winner for Too Darn Hot (GB), headed in Australia by his multiple Group 1-winning son Broadsiding, who is standing his first season this year at $66,000 (inc. GST), alongside his sire who is standing this season at a fee of $275,000 (inc. GST) at Darley Kelvinside.
Dynamic Syndications were active on the TOO DARN HOT progeny at this year’s yearling sales and walked away with 3 yearlings.
A Colt for $320,000 ex Farlingaye named CHAUD.
A Filly half-sister to I Am Me for $675,000 named TOO HOT FOR ME.
Whilst we have a third youngster an unnamed filly ex Dreams And Wishes.
All three (3) are with Ciaron Maher.