Racing: Shastri in big finale

Shastri's win at Ellerslie yesterday might be the last you see of him, at least in the flesh.

The brilliant Matamata speedster will be vetted for sale to Hong Kong in the next few days.

There was never a doubt that the Stravinsky 3-year-old was going to win yesterday when he landed a soft lead in the New Zealand Herald 3YO and favourite Clifton Prince was posted three wide.

Melbourne jockey Rhys McLeod stacked the field up behind him and had only to produce a short, sharp sprint to win easily.

Shastri carries no condition on a very spare frame and will clearly be a better horse with physical development.

"He's actually improved since he came home after being galloped on in the 2000 Guineas at Riccarton," said Sargent, who continued the wonderful season he is enjoying.

He is sixth on the Trainers' Premiership and is developing a marvellous strike rate.

Sitting in the next locker to McLeod was rival jockey Bruce Herd, who won the Magic Millions Classic on Shastri's dam Vedodara.

"She was one of the best horses I've ridden," said Herd.

If sold, Shastri goes to Hong Kong as the winner of The Hawkes Bay Guineas and the runner-up to Ambitious Owner in the Levin Classic.

"If he's not sold, he'll go to Trentham, and we'll see if he gets enough weight to get into the Telegraph," said Sargent.