Oaks-Derby Campaign Over For Miller’s Shinta Mani - Western Austalian Racehorse Trainers Association

Shinta Mani’s WA Oaks-WA Derby campaign is over just as it was beginning to warm up for the Viscount filly.

It’s a disappointing blow for Lark Hill trainer Sharon Miller who has formed a strong opinion of the three-year-old.

Miller rated Shinta Mani in the same bracket as Moreish who set the stable alight at a similar period two years ago.

Moreish won a feature trifecta in the Ascot 1000 Guineas (1800m), Natasha Stakes (1800m) and WA Oaks (2400m).

The More Than Ready mare came within ace of taking out the WA Derby but fell 1 ¼ lengths shy of Mystic Prince.

Shinta Mani can’t boast a comparable record but there were positive signs to come out of Saturday’s Natasha Stakes.

Despite her rating of $155 she ran a slashing race and figured in the money for the first time in eight outings.

She found the line strongly and rewarded Miller’s faith when splitting highly-rated stable mates Delicacy and Neverland.

But no sooner was Miller revelling in Shinta Mani’s career-best performance when racing’s fickle bad luck had set in.

“She has always at home shown a lot of ability,” said Miller.

“I told the owners I think she is as good as Moreish.

“They didn’t really agree with me but now are to my way of thinking.

“But our joy was very short lived because she got badly galloped on.

“She had an operation yesterday (Monday) and won’t be running for some time.

“It’s a very fickle game this one.”

Delicacy and Neverland dominate betting in the WA Oaks with the former holding narrow favouritism.

Delicacy is the second elect behind stable mate Battle Hero in the WA Derby.