Gutsy run sees Isaac Shelby claim Superlative Stakes at Newmarket
- Seb Sternik
- 9 July 2022
Brian Meehan’s Isaac Shelby showed plenty of heart to maintain his unbeaten record in the bet365 Superlative Stakes.
The decision to skip Royal Ascot paid dividends as the famous Sangster silks were carried to success in the Group Two seven-furlong race.
In the early stages, the eventual winner had to overcome a congested field as all five runners were closely packed together.
Despite the moderate pace, things quickly began to heat up as the pack approached the two furlong pole.
Meehan's son of Night Of Thunder was challenged Charlie Appleby's Victory Dance and the duo were embroiled in a titanic tussle, with Isaac Shelby veering to the left.
Although briefly headed, Sean Levey was able to come up with a little bit more from his mount to regain the lead in the shadow of the post and seal a winning verdict.
As a result, he is now set to dine at the top table for the remainder of his juvenile campaign, with bookmakers trimming the odds for next year's 2000 Guineas.
A brilliant finish between two hugely exciting youngsters @NewmarketRace! ⭐️
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 9, 2022
Isaac Shelby (Night Of Thunder) just gets the better of Victory Dance (Dubawi) to make it two from two for the @brianmeehanltd team in the G2 bet365 Superlative Stakes 👏 @LeveySean pic.twitter.com/bAPTGTB03Y
Meehan said: "He's got a good temperament and Sean knows him well.
"We'll stay at seven furlongs now, I'd imagine (Dewhurst) but we'll be in no rush to run him again for a while. I think we'll train him as a Guineas horse going forward.
"These horses are special and they are the reason you do it. All you are trying to do is train winners but when you get horses like him with huge potential, it's very special."
The owning partnership is led by Sam Sangster, whose father Robert enjoyed so many spectacular days on a racecourse.
He said: "We put together a Manton Thoroughbreds partnership every year and it's very emotional for me to have dad's colours still going.
"The last time dad won this race (Commander Collins, 1998) I was here and picked the trophy up as an 11-year-old so it's great to be back and keep the colours going.
"He looks a Guineas prospect, but I know the trainer well and I know he'll be eyeing up the Breeders' Cup! He's still got a lot of furnishing to do, he's still a bit narrow so all he can do is improve, we won't rush him to Goodwood."
