Sydney’s premier trainer Chris Waller has been handed a win in the world’s richest race for two-year-olds by world renowned hoop Ryan Moore who snared a Group 1 double at Rosehill headed by the 2023 Golden Slipper upset on the brave colt Shinzo.

2023 Golden Slipper winner Shinzo handed Waller a maiden victory in the premier race for two-year-olds. Photo: Steve Hart.

Moore rode runaway Ranvet Stakes winning UK raider Dubai Honour to victory earlier in the day for William Haggas and backed it up with a flawless ride in the meeting’s feature scoring an upset in the Group 1 $5 million Golden Slipper Stakes (1200m) aboard Waller’s progressive son of Snitzel Shinzo.

Shinzo was an eleventh hour inclusion after winning his way into the Slipper field via an impressive victory in last weekend’s Group 3 Pago Pago Stakes (1200m).

The youngster was terrific on the quick back-up flying home right down the inside late to become the first horse to complete the Pago Pago – Golden Slipper double since Stratum back in 2005.

After pushing forward early it was Exploring at a big price leading the Golden Slipper field while Moore was happy to sit back on the eventual winner.

Once on the straight the James Cummings-trained favourite Cylinder off an on-speed run hit the front with 200m to go but was quickly challenged by the hard-ridden Shinzo up the inside.

Moore eventually drew clear inside the final furlong with Shinzo racing away for an impressive one length win at $16 Golden Slipper odds over the beaten favourite Cylinder ($3.40F).

“It’s one of those moments isn’t it? As you know I get pretty caught up in the emotion of winning races. But honestly, there’s so many great races on our calendar every year and having runners in it is a privilege. I know it’s a big deal and I respect it,” Waller told Sky Thoroughbred Central after the win. 

“He’s a very good colt and I appreciate the owners with entrusting me, not just with him but with a lot of other good horses, valuable horses.

“I guess that takes things to a different level of pressure. They need results and they chose me to try and find a Group 1 Golden Slipper winner and we’ve managed to do it for them.”

In third to complete the Golden Slipper trifecta in an eye-catching run right down the outside was the Peter & Paul Snowden-trained King’s Gambit ($8) who looked a sweaty mess pre-race.

The Snowdens also prepared the fourth and fifth over the line in the Golden Slipper finishing order with good runs from Don Corleone ($9.50) and 60/1 outsider Empire Of Japan.

It was a mixed Golden Slipper result for Waller who also trained Lazzago who was eased out of the race by Kerrin McEvoy and failed to finish.

Lazzago suffered interference when the previously undefeated Learning To Fly hit the running rail having already missed the kick, taking fright and throwing her hoop Chad Schofield from the saddle.

“Lucky to stay on her feet with that interference. Copped nearly the worst of it,” McEvoy said after the event.

Both fillies involved in the incident escaped without serious injury.

Learning To Fly ran on without her rider pulling up with lameness to her front leg while Schofield  was up and walking post-fall with minor bumps and bruises.

Shinzo has subsequently firmed in market to back-up at Randwick on April 1 and win the Group 1 $1 million Inglis Sires’ (1400m) with class filly Fireburn completing the Golden Slipper – Sires’ double last autumn.

Moore was full of post-race praise for Shinzo who he believes will be an even better horse over more distance.

“Growing up the Golden Slipper was always one of the big races that everyone knew around the world. Maybe times have changed, but it was always the premier race in New South Wales,” he said. 

“Tom (Magnier from Coolmore) called me last week at this time and asked if I’d like to come down. If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be here. He won well last week, he’s a very talented colt, he’s got a super attitude. Lovely big strong long striding horse.

“I’m sure he’s going to be better when he goes up in trip. We were lucky we got a nice draw, was able to follow Cylinder through and it all just went beautifully for us. It all worked out.

“I’m sure he’s not just an out and out six furlong (1200m) sprinter.

“I’m sure he’s going to be more comfortable when he gets over more ground. It feels like he’s improving and he’ll continue to improve and all being he’ll have a good future.”

2023 Golden Slipper Stakes Results & Finishing Order

Table Credit: Racing Australia.