Second Stakes-Winner for Shamexpress

Tara Madgwick - Saturday September 1

The first black-type prize of the Hastings Spring Carnival is heading back to Cambridge after the Tony Pike trained Cyber Attack claimed the Listed El Roca-Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m) on Saturday.

Cyber Attack - Trish DunnellThe Shamexpress gelding took consistent form into the three-year-old contest and was one of the favoured candidates although he was expected to play second fiddle to stablemate Stella Noire who was unbeaten in one run as a two-year-old.

Those predictions were tipped upside down as Cyber Attack and rider Vinnie Colgan chased down race favourite Qiji Express early in the run home before holding out the late charge of maiden galloper Cavallo Veloce. Sagunto made good ground to snatch third from Qiji Express with Stella Noire labouring on the slow7 surface to finish near the rear of the ten-horse field.

Colgan was taken with his mount's efforts where he felt the benefit of race fitness played heavily in his favour.

"He stepped okay and there was a fair bit of speed on," he said.

"I tracked Matty Cameron (Qiji Express) all the way and the breaks came our way.

"He's a fit horse as he's had four runs back this winter so I knew he was going to keep going strongly to the line."

Pike also admitted that race fitness played a major role in the victory.

"He was coming in as a fit racehorse with a good barrier draw as well," he said.

"He's very honest, very fit so it was probably no surprise.

"He just loves his work, loves his racing and will continue to improve."

Pike has his eye on the Gr.2 Sacred Falls Hawke's Bay Guineas (1400m) in October as a major target for his charge.

"We will be back here for the Guineas," he said.

"I will see how he pulls up as he has had a few runs in this preparation but the possibility is that he will go straight into the race.

Shamexpress"He's been crying out for 1400m, so I think that won't hold any fears."

Pike was philosophical about the performance of Stella Noire which he put down to the slow track.

"She's been a touch disappointing, but she dipped and dived in the ground a fair bit," he said.

Cyber Attack took his career record to three wins from 7 starts with $65,000 in prizemoney with the victory.  He is the second stakes-winner for Shamexpress and comes from the family of dual Group I winner Humidor.– NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Pinhook Winners 2024 NZB Ready to Run – Churchill Colt the Star
A record breaking NZB Ready to Run Sale this week at Karaka delivered plenty of pinhook success with 18 two year-olds selling for $300,000 or more above their yearling purchase price, so let’s take a look at some of the best of them.
Blockbuster Sale as NZB Ready to Run Records Tumble
Expectations were exceeded at Karaka with tremendous results witnessed across two days of selling at NZB’S 2024 Ready to Run Sale, confirming the demand for proven racetrack results and quality New Zealand-prepared horses.
$1.3million Snitzel Colt Ready to Fire on Debut for Te Akau
Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson are confident they have the young firepower to make an early impression in the first of the black type features at Pukekohe Park on Saturday.
Luberon Heads Cambridge Stud Saturday Charge
Lance Noble will attempt to add to a strong run of spring form for Cambridge Stud when he sends out five well-credentialled runners in Brendan and Jo Lindsay’s black and gold colours at Pukekohe on Saturday.
City of Troy Crowned 2024 Cartier European Horse of the Year
Outstanding Justify colt City of Troy was crowned Horse of the Year at the 2024 Cartier awards on Wednesday night in London at a star studded ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel.
Magic Millions 2025 Magazine Online
The 2025 Magic Millions magazine is now online with a great mix of gallery images, editorial and vendor profilies.
One to Watch – Hawkesbury
Castelvecchio has gone from nowhere to somewhere during the course of this spring with three stakes-winners putting his name in lights and he had a promising three year-old colt salute at Hawkesbury on Thursday that has now won two of three starts.
$2,000 Gavelhouse Bargain Keeps on Winning!
The Grey Goose continued to belie her purchase price last start when recording her fifth win at Wingatui, bringing her career earnings to more than $225,000.
Cambridge Stud News
It’s been the spring that keeps giving for Cambridge Stud and it’s not over yet.
Best On Breeding
The cerise, white crossed sashes and black cap of Bob Peters, Peter's Investments, may not be the once dominant force they have been for decades in Western Australian racing, but they are far from finished.