The Green Machine

Shalaa | Racing Post

For one who has appeared almost clueless so far during his fledgling career, Al Shaqab Racing's Shalaa (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) has achieved a lot and it would be a brave call to oppose him in Thursday's G2 Qatar Richmond S. at Glorious Goodwood. Stepping up on a debut eighth when looking all at sea in a valuable six-furlong conditions event at Newbury May 16 to win decisively over that trip at Newmarket a fortnight later, the bay returned to the latter venue 10 days later to annex the G2 July S. when again looking to lose concentration late on. “He looks a seriously talented horse,” racing manager Harry Herbert commented. “Despite looking incredibly green and that he'd never been on a racecourse before, he has managed to win his last two races, including the July S. The hope is with each run he sharpens up mentally each time. He was very impressive at Newmarket and hopefully he can overcome the penalty. He seems in great form now. I personally view him as the type for the [G1] Middle Park towards the end of the season, as John [Gosden] has always spoken of how much natural speed he possesses.”

This race has not been first and foremost on Aidan O'Brien's wishlist in recent times, but Team Ballydoyle provide a colt with outstanding claims this year in Susan Magnier's Air Force Blue (War Front). After winning a hot Curragh maiden May 24, he was second to Buratino (Ire) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}) in the G2 Coventry S. at Royal Ascot June 16 and has enjoyed a freshener subsequently. The usual representation of Gosden-O'Brien-Hannon in these premier juvenile contests is completed by the latter stable's Log Out Island (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), who had been second in the G2 Norfolk S. over five furlongs at Royal Ascot June 18 before finishing third nine days later in The Curragh's G2 Railway S. at this distance. “Log Out Island did not reproduce his excellent run from Royal Ascot when we took him to Ireland for the Railway S., but the race probably came a bit quick and he is definitely better than that,” Hannon explained. “On his Norfolk form he would have a strong chance here, though it looks a hot race with the July S. winner and the Coventry runner-up in there.”

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