Diva's half brother debuts well at Geelong

Fri 10 Sep

Makybe Diva's $1.2 million half-brother Shadowofexcellence has been described as having a "bit of X-factor" after making his debut at Geelong.

Jockey Steven King was impressed with the Redoute's Choice colt after steering him from second last on the home turn to an eye-catching third in Friday's Christmas Party Raceday 2 December Maiden (1300m) on the synthetic track.

King weaved a passage through the field on Shadowofexcellence ($4.60) but could not catch the well-bred David Hayes-trained Redoute's Choice filly Margiela ($5) who scored by a long neck from White Universe ($16), trained by Peter Moody.

Team Hawkes trains Shadowofexcellence who was bought at the 2009 Australian Easter Sale in Sydney by Patinack farm's Nathan Tinkler.

The colt is from Tugela who gained fame as the dam of three-time Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva.

Tony Santic, who owns both Makybe Diva and Tugela, has retained an interest in Shadowofexcellence and races him with Tinkler.

"He (Shadowofexcellence) has certainly got a little bit of X-factor about him but whether he does it this preparation or next we have to wait and see," King said.

"I expect him to improve from the run."

Wayne Hawkes said Shadowofexcellence was an immature three-year-old but he didn't expect him to get back as far as he did. - aap

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