Emblems claims Takeover Target Stakes

Shamardal four-year-old Emblems became the 57th Stakes winner for his sire with a tough all-the-way win in the Listed Takeover Target Stakes over 6f at Gosford, Australia, January 10.

Emblems took up the lead shortly after the start but was pressured a long way from home as several of the backmarkers took off early. Under hard riding from Kerrin McEvoy in the home straight, the four-year-old fought off all the challengers to score a head victory.

A homebred for Darley, Emblems is the second Stakes winner for Seeking The Gold mare Cara Bella, a daughter of G1 winner Cherokee Rose. Cara Bella’s other Stakes winner is Exceed And Excel gelding Bello, a winner of the G3 Newmarket Handicap at Newcastle before joining Godolphin recently.

Shamardal is the sire of 10 G1 winners including Darley stallion Casamento as well as 2013 G1 winners Dunboyne Express and Maybe Discreet. He is standing this season at Kildangan Stud at a fee of €50,000.