Rathasker Graduate Shine So Bright wins Listed Free Handicap

17 Apr 2019

Third in the Gr.2 Richmond Stakes at Goodwood, Gr.2 Gimcrack Stakes at York and Gr.2 Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury over six furlongs last term, Shine So Bright made light work of an extra furlong to add more strength to King Power Racing’s hand in 2019. Always comfortable in front with Silvestre De Sousa doing what he does best, the grey extended into and out of the “dip” to score with authority. “He was doing it on his own terms in front and he enjoyed that,” his rider said. “He’s a nice horse and he proved he had a bit of class here. He shows plenty of speed at home, so I had a bit of a doubt in my mind about seven but he proved he got it well.” Andrew Balding is looking at a possible tilt at the May 4 Gr.1 2000 Guineas with the winner, who was continuing a golden run for the big-buying owners so far this season. “He’s a really uncomplicated horse and the ride suited him well,” he said. “He is a mixture on pedigree, with plenty of stamina on the dam’s side and so the likelihood is we’ll have to try a mile. He deserves consideration for the Guineas. He’s a smart horse whatever his distance turns out to be.” Shine So Bright is the first runner for the Gr.3 Kilternan Stakes Alla Speranza, who descends from the Kirsten Rausing dual Gr.1 Champion Stakes heroine Alborada. Rathasker pinhooked Shine So Bright at Tattersalls Newmarket foals, placed him in training with Karl Burke and sold him at the Goffs London Sale 2018 to Al Donald on behalf of King Power Racing. Congratulations to all connections.