Despite some confusion in the commentary box, Not A Single Doubt colt Shirvo got off the mark thanks to a determined success at Wagga.
In fairness to the race caller and the TV graphics operators who initially called the wrong winner, the finish was extremely close. The colt owned by Phoenix Thoroughbreds and Fung Family Investments got his nose down on the line for his maiden success after five attempts.
Trained by Ryan and Alexiou Racing, the two-year-old broke smartly from barrier one and was manoeuvred into a good early position by rider Jay Ford. It was evident the jockey didn’t want his mount to expend too much energy early, giving his horse a few tugs on the reins as he sat in fourth place. At the crest of the turn for home, Shirvo was given his head a bit more and cruised into contention. Asked to go and win the race, he took a little time to get into stride and was joined in the final few furlongs by the fast finishing Mr Rock It. The two drew clear of the pack and set about trying to best each other. In the end, only the narrowest of margins separated them.