Former WA mare Sheidel will get the chance to win her first Group 1 in the Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley on Friday week, October 21.

Sheidel improved her record to 13 wins in only 23 outings after taking out the Group 3 Northwood Plume Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday, holding off some fast finishing challengers in a gutsy performance.

She led home a Sunspeed quinella defeating Yarradale Stud-bred mare Silent Sedition by a long neck.

“Sheidel has done everything bar win a Group 1,” trainer David Hayes points out.  “Since coming to Lindsay Park, she’s won the Bel Esprit Stakes at Caulfield, finished second in the Group 1 Robert Sangster and now this Group race.  She deserves a crack at the Manikato.”

Owner-breeder Des de Largie won four stakes races with her in Perth before selling to Rob Crabtree earlier this year.  The Victorian-based owner purchased the mare following a phone call from bloodstock agent Damon Gabbedy.

“I was obviously aware of Sheidel but Damon really knows the West Australian scene and it was too good an opportunity to pass up,” Crabtree said.  “I’m certainly in no rush to send her off to stud.  They tell you when they’re ready and I just enjoy racing them: especially when they are going as well as Sheidel.”

de Largie bred her by using Holy Roman Emperor over Laventour (Metal Storm).  She is a half-sister to LR Summer Scorcher (1000m) winner Latoria (Oratorio).  They descend from de Largie’s first mare Fer Forge (Chest Mark) and the family also includes his G3 Asian Beau Stakes winner Track Jester (Tenby).