Can Shamal Wind Blow her rivals Away at Ascot?

England’s iconic horse racing event that is Royal Ascot starts on Tuesday and there’ll be plenty of Aussie punters keen to place their bets. That’s because a handful of Australian horses will contest some of the top races during the 5 day carnival! Australian didn’t have any runners to cheer on last year but the representation will begin early in 2015 with one of our own competing on the first day. Shamal Wind will have a crack at the King Stand Stakes and the Robet Smerdon trained mare may be one to look out for.

Can Shamal Wind Win?

The Group One Kings Stand Stakes is one of the feature races of Royal Ascot and a highlight of the opening day. It’s race number 3 on Tuesday’s card and will be ran over 1000 metres (5 furlongs). Irish superstar Sole Power is aiming for an unprecedented hat-trick and is the $4.50 favourite on Sportsbet’s All In market but there are other sprint stars among the hopes, including Shamal Wind. The mare is paying $7 to follow in the hoofprints of her triumphant compatriots Under Choisir (2003), Takeover Target (2006), Miss Andretti (2007) and Scenic Blast (2009).

Shamal Wind up to Group One Grade

Shamal Wind broke through for her maiden Group One in her last race, with a ripping performance in the 1100 metre Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield in February.  The five year old’s fighting attitude should see her put in a spirted run at Ascot with her trainer believing she’s in with a ‘fair chance’. Smerdon’s been impressed with his horse’s workouts since arriving in England and is excited ahead of his first Royal Ascot experience. Shamal Wind’s got great fresh form and a good record at 1000 metres while she’s also strong first up, over the distance. Top English Jockey Ryan Moore will ride the horse in the Kings Stand Stakes and he’ll be hoping to give her a gun run.