Waller Decides to Reboot Shaquero

After briefly humming and hawing between a barrier trial or an actual race, trainer Chris Waller has decided on the latter for exciting juvenile prospect Shaquero. The Shalaa colt, who has eased to double figures for Saturday week’s $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic following a disappointing seventh as favourite in the Gr3 BJ McLachlan Stakes on Boxing Day, will take his place this weekend in the Aquis Gold Nugget (1100m) at the Gold Coast. According to racing.com, the $160,000 Fernrigg Farm graduate of 2019’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale is still on track for the 2YO Classic despite being beaten 7.5-lengths in his last start. Waller advised, “I’ve been happy with his work over the past week & expect him to run well Saturday, proving himself the chance to make the final (Magic Millions) field.” Shaquero is currently a $15 chance for one of the country’s leading 2YO feature races.

Shaquero won the Gr3 Gimcrack Stakes on debut (pic: Steve Hart)