3 minute read

Trainer and jockey quotes after the Inglis Plate at Moonee Valley on Saturday won by Shalaman.

Race Result:

1st: Shalaman (Matt Laurie/Ben Melham) - $4.20 fav
2nd: Meridius (Lloyd Kennewell/Jamie Kah) - $7
3rd: Millane (Peter Moody/Luke Nolen) - $4.80

Winning Time: 1:12.27  Last 600m: NA

Margins: Short Head x 1-½ Length

Shalaman holds on & wins this week!

Meridius got very, very close @mattlaurierace pic.twitter.com/cWmUP2yfk6

— Racing.com (@Racing) September 3, 2022

Winning Trainer: Matt Laurie

On his attitude to racing: "He kind of looks as though he's going to really deliver and put them away but he just holds back. I think he has that extra length up his sleeve but it's just not coming at this stage.

On his breeding: "It's good to get the win. It's a big result, he was an expensive colt and some big owners have chipped in and it's nice to select a good horse."

On spring goals: "I think the Red Anchor is probably a nice race for him. I'm not sure he's quite the Coolmore product but we can dream and we'll see how he pulls up."

On comparisons with Portland Sky: "Portland Sky was always very classy from the beginning, and this bloke is too, but he's a very laid-back colt and he's a little bit harder to judge. He's had a good prep and a good career to date."

Winning Jockey: Ben Melham

On the horse: "It's always a worry late with him. He's a really good galloper at home and he's a beautiful horse - I think he's a really nice coltm - but he's still learning.

"He's still learning how to round off his races but he gives himself every chance, he puts himself in a winning position and he gives a good kick, but he just gets a little lost in front. I think when the penny drops with him he's going to be a really good colt.

"At home he works right up there with the best of them. He's a great style of horse and when he puts it together he will win a good race."