Shoals bounced back to her best form to record an upset win in the 2018 Surround Stakes at Royal Randwick this afternoon.

Shoals, above in white and red colours, wins the Surround Stakes at Randwick. Photo by Steve Hart.

Shoals was unwanted in betting following her flop in the Kevin Hayes Stakes in Melbourne, but connections were always confident that she would bounce back to her best form and that proved to be the case.

Jockey Josh Parr elected to settle her just behind the leader in the early stages, but she was able to fight off Shumookh and held-off a flying Torvill.

Sam Freedman – the son of trainer Anthony Freedman – said that the stable were happy to ignore the run of Shoals in the Kevin Hayes Stakes and he confirmed that the filly would likely chase another Group 1 win in the Coolmore Classic.

“We probably got it a bit wrong with her first-up,” Freedman said.

“She did really well in the paddock and she was probably a little bit fat.

“We are thrilled to see her bounce back and we always knew that she had the ability.

“Dad has done a fantastic job with her.

“The Coolmore has always been the target and there are other options for her as well.

“She could even end up overseas.”

Parr only picked up the ride on Shoals in the Surround Stakes after Blake Shinn was ruled out due to suspension and he was clearly over the moon to have claimed his third Group 1 victory.

“I am wrapt,” Parr said.

“It is never nice when somebodies misfortune becomes my good fortune, but it always happens in this industry and it is uncanny how often a pick-up ride wins.

“I galloped her on Tuesday morning and I was full of confidence.

“I knew I would be in a forward position and she is a really gallant thing.”

You can back Shoals in the Coolmore Classic and other races like the Doncaster Mile and the Queen Of The Turf Stakes with leading online bookmaker Ladbrokes.com.au.