Shadow Mist On Cusp Of SA Sprint Glory

SPRINTING revelation Shadow Mist is poised to cap off a remarkable stint of racing for new trainer Lauren Harris with victory in Thursday night's SA Sprint Championship Final (515m) at Angle Park.

And if the powerhouse 29.33 heat winner justifies his odds-on quote for the $10,000 to-the-winner feature, connections will be left with some significant options to weigh up in the coming weeks with their budding superstar. 

Not only does Thursday night's winner earn the title of South Australia's premier sprinter, it also hands connections direct passage into the semi-finals of the TAB Million Dollar Chase in Sydney on October 9, the race clashing with the hometown Adelaide Cup.

"We've spoken about it and there's a lot to consider but for now we are just taking it a race at a time," trainer Lauren Harris said.

"I haven't met his owners Sharon and Matt Crowe in person yet because of coronavirus but they are itching to get over here and meet us and watch the dog race. Hopefully it's sooner rather than later!"

It was in the middle of May that Shadow Mist, a son of Dyna Double One and Diva's Shadow, found his way to the kennels of Finniss-based Harris.

"A mutual friend of ours, Justin Illman, suggested to Sharon and Matt that they send the dog to me for a go," Harris said.

"We weren't too sure what to expect when he arrived but he's just excelled with everything we've done with him. His first trial at Murray Bridge over the 395m was exceptional and he just hasn't put a foot wrong since."

Successful at 18 of his 42 career starts after launching his career In Victoria, Shadow Mist's rise to prominence in South Australia has been nothing short of remarkable, winning eight of his 10 starts for Harris with another two placings.

And while going from strength-to-strength with some dazzling performances, Harris admits to being taken slightly aback with last Thursday's rampaging 29.33 heat demolition.

"It's the fastest I've ever had run at Angle Park clearly," Harris said.

"He ran 29.47 the other week and Thursday was the first time he went right around trouble free. We've had some friends saying to us he can go quicker but we've just been trying to keep a lid on things. It's not easy too now."

Betting suggests Shadow Mist has a mortgage on Thursday night's finale following last week's sparkling heat romp, quoted $1.40 in most markets.

"Box five isn't ideal, I'd much rather one or two but a lot of the pace is to his inside which helps," Harris said.

"If he runs that 4.39 early again he'll be hard to beat but he's proven he's not a one trick pony either. He's come from off the pace as well. He's 37 kilos and he makes sure he uses it in his races."   

Such is the dream run being enjoyed by Harris with her budding superstar, the Nationals domicility clause saw the son of Dyna Double One scrape into the series by a mere two days.

"It feels like everything has fallen into place since he's arrived," Harris said.

"He's a beautiful dog to have around the kennels and not your typical Dyna Double One, just laid back and relaxed. That's until it's race time  – then it's all go.”

And as for looking at assignments past Thursday, Harris says there is plenty for herself and owners to consider in the coming weeks.

"It's always been a dream to win an Adelaide Cup,” Harris said.

“But with it worth $50,000 for first against the idea of the Million Dollars (for the Million Dollar Chase) we've got plenty to weigh up.

"How settled and happy he is here is a big part of it but at the end of the day it's a Million Dollars and you can't ignore that.

“But we'll just get through Thursday for now and go from there.”