OWNERS TO PAY TJ SMITH LATE FEE

Shelby SixtySix to ride in TJ Smith Stakes

Shelby SixtySix’s connections have decided to keep the faith and will pay the late entry fee of $55,000 to run the Danny Williams runner in the Group 1 $2.5m TJ Smith Stakes.

Williams, a part owner has admitted though that it’ll be a hard job to find the late entry fee without the winnings from The Galaxy win being paid out. 

“The ownership group has had a discussion and we all feel Shelby’s form warrants us going ahead with a start in the TJ Smith Stakes,’’ Williams said.

“Of course, we have to come up with the money and I am not in the position financially of some of the others (owners).

“The horse has won enough money for us to pay the late entry fee but the problem is the prizemoney we have received from his earlier wins I have used to pay a heap of bills.

“We won’t get the money from The Galaxy until the swab clears. I’m still battling a bit but I’m sure as a group we will come up with the money.’’

On February the 19th Shelby SixtySix was beaten in a TAB Highway Handicap at Rosehill Gardens before returning to the track the following week and winning the same race. From there Shelby SixtySix has been on a meteoric rise to glory.

The Danny Williams trained runner has now acquired the nickname ‘Party Boy’ for returning to the races five weekends in a row including splitting Group 1 winners Eduardo and Nature Strip in the Challenge Stakes as well as winning the Group 1 The Galaxy last weekend.

Shelby SixtySix now sits as a $18 chance for the TJ Smith with punters daring to believe the dream could continue for the stable. 

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