By Adam Morgan, PA
Social media influencer Basher Watts is thrilled to provide Kieran Shoemark with the opportunity for Classic glory aboard Poule d’Essai des Pouliches contender Shes Perfect, as connections prepare for a huge afternoon at ParisLongchamp on Sunday.
Shoemark has so far partnered the Charlie Fellowes-trained daughter of Sioux Nation in two of her three career starts, including when denied a neck by Francis-Henri Graffard’s French 1000 Guineas favourite Zarigana in the Prix de la Grotte last month.
“I’m delighted to have ‘King Shoey’ on board and he knows her better than anyone, he knows her off by heart,” said Watts.
“It’s very exciting and she did her last piece of work on Wednesday. Hopefully all the Is are dotted and Ts crossed and she’s ready to go.
“Zarigana could be very special and just beat us fair and square again, but a lot didn’t go our way last time and I would love to see her get a little bit of cover just off the pace. We’re not just going there to take part, we’re going to give it a proper go.”
Shoemark’s performance aboard 2000 Guineas favourite Field Of Gold was subject to wide debate, with the rider subsequently losing his position as number one jockey to John and Thady Gosden after the Clarehaven team announced they would be adopting a ‘best available’ policy moving forward.
However, Watts is hoping Shes Perfect could provide the perfect tonic for the 29-year-old as he gets the chance for Classic redemption in the French capital.
“Kieran has done so much for us as a syndicate and it is the cherry on top of a special weekend for us to have him on board her – one man’s loss is another’s gain,” continued Watts, with Shoemark also poised for the leg up on Fellowes’ French 2000 Guineas candidate Luther.
“There’s so many possible fairytale stories for us on Sunday and Charlie has never won a Group One before, it will be my first-ever Group One runner with just the second horse I’ve had and Kieran has obviously had a bit of a rough week, so it could be huge for everyone – we’re nervous but also very excited.”
Watts has developed a strong following on TikTok and Instagram and set up Basher Watts Racing on the back of his social media success and interactions with followers.
Many of his followers have become members of the racing club and they are preparing to take ParisLongchamp by storm.
“It’s absolutely unbelievable to be heading over again and there were 22 of us last time but near 60 of us this time and you just get a sense around the yard that this is the pinnacle, this is the big one,” added Watts.
“For me, the trial was the pressure race and we had spoken about having to suck it up if she was beaten 10 lengths or finished last. We were always hopeful she was a group horse but we didn’t quite know and she definitely threw her hat in the group mix and now we can hopefully enjoy Sunday.”
