Shenzhou Steeds (NZ) Keeps Kiwis Ipswich Cup Record in Tact

The kiwi Shenzhou Steeds (NZ) has continued New Zealand's brilliant record in Queensland's staying races this season claiming the A$200,000 Listed Ipswich Cup (2150m) at Ipswich on Saturday.

The victory has extended New Zealand's impressive record in the Ipswich Cup to ten of the 13 winners since 2000.

Trained by Michael Moroney and ridden by Eddie Wilkinson, Shenzhou Steeds (Ishiguru x Sun City) was brought off the rails in the cup nearing the home turn and mounted his challenge.

Claiming the race leaders, the four-year-old showed good determination in the final stages of the race to gun down the breakaway runner Kinnersley (Al Mahar) to win by half-a-length.

Shenzhou Steeds was successful at stakes level last season when winning the Listed Sunshine Coast Guineas (1600m), one of three consecutive race wins he claimed in Queensland as a three-year-old.

"He has won four from four in Queensland now and he might go on to the Caloundra Cup in a fortnight," said trainer Michael Moroney.

Saturday's race was Shenzhou Steeds' first attempt at a distance greater than 1600 metres and Moroney is confident that the four-year-old can run out the 2400 metres of the Caloundra Cup.

Bred by Chequers Stud, Shenzhou Steeds was passed through the ring at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2009 Karaka Select Sale. He is now raced by Mr G Del Mastro, Mr P G Woods, Mr N J Byrne, Mr G Devonport, Mr B N Kinnane, Mr J Versace, Mr D Strano, Till Tuesday, & McGrath Racing.

Saturday's win was his sixth from just 14 career starts and has taken his earnings to A$267,000.

Other New Zealand gallopers to claim the Ipswich Cup since 2000 include Reign Supreme, Henderson Bay, Portland Singa, Forest Jim, Sphenophyta, Sculptor, Bianca and Our Lucas who won back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010.

Ishiguru - a son of Danzig - shuttled between Chequers Stud and Tweenills Stud in England until 2009. He was the sire of 72 winners from 127 runners, including Group 2 winner Hellvelyn and Ferneley.