Shamdinan claims Secretariat success
Ex-French runner Shamdinan made a winning American debut as he claimed the Grade One Secretariat Stakes at Arlington.
The three-year-old was last seen when finishing ninth of 11 runners in the Irish Derby for trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre but he made an ideal start for new handler Doug O’Neill.
Settled in the pack, Shamdinan was just getting into top gear as Red Giant took it up turning into the straight.
The latter pulled a couple of lengths clear but Shamdinan powered down the outside to collar Red Giant in the shadow of the post.
Going Ballistic took third while Aidan O’Brien’s Admiralofthefleet could finish no better than fourth under Mick Kinane after taking a prominent early position.
Fellow Irish raider Fleeting Shadow was also keen in the opening stages and faded out of the finish.
