Jockey Blake Shinn does not boast a win in the Victoria Derby but believes Murshidi has the credentials to win the Classic at Flemington.
The Ciaron Maher-trained Murshidi is on a path towards the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday week following his victory in the Listed Geelong Classic (2200m) on Wednesday.
“He was probably the best stayer on the day, and he’s trained by Ciaron, which helps and he’s built nicely into the prep,” Shinn said.
“He had a good run, he presented nicely and when the chips were down, he had to show a bit of intestinal fortitude.
“That’s what he did. It was a good effort to win.”
Murshidi ($3.70) scored a long-head victory from Icy You ($7.50) with the $2.60 favourite True Tone a further three-quarters-of-a-length away third.
Geelong Classic | Murshidi
Murshidi is off to the Derby and gives @blake_shinn his 2nd victory in the race 💪🏻 @cmaherracing
📺 Ch. 78/68, Foxtel 529, Kayo or via our app
REPLAYS: https://t.co/HEhdpozFmy https://t.co/THZ43Zagbf— Racing.com (@Racing) October 21, 2026
Shinn said he was confident of Murshidi handling the rise of 300m to Saturday week’s Derby and believes the gelding, who broke through for his maiden win on Wednesday, can be a competitive chance.
“Last year I rode Arcora in this race and it was a little bit unlucky (finishing fifth), and it went on to run second in the Derby,” Shinn said.
“This horse has won it and I think he’ll run the trip.
“There’s a little bit of talent there and he’s worthy of taking his place and can run well.”
Murshidi is a son of Maurice, the sire of Hitotsu that supplied Maher with his maiden Derby success in 2021.
Maher said Hitotsu had more speed than what Murshidi has, but he likes the three-year-old as a stayer.
“That was this horse’s maiden win, so it was a nice way to do it,” Maher said.
“The $3 million Derby looks like a nice target to have next start.
“He’s a different style of horse (to Hitotsu). I don’t think he has the same turn-of-foot as Hitotsu but he’s a strong horse and he has prepped up really well.
“The team at Ballarat, they are thriving. They keep pulling them out, these stayers, and Blake looked in control a long way from home.
“(It was a) beautiful ride by him.”
