Racing
RQ Ipswich Saturday Preview: 21st June 2025
Gold Coast trainer Paul Shailer has put his name up in lights for the future despite missing out on claiming his first major as a trainer this winter.
With the backing of high-profile owners Peter Tighe, Neil Werrett, Max Whitby, fruiterer Darren Frame and publican Brian Hooper, Shailer's future in the Sunshine State looks assured.
Shailer was previously Chris Waller's right-hand man in Queensland before branching out to train on his own three years ago.
After closing his Port Macquarie stables 18 months ago, Shailer moved to the Gold Coast where he now has 40 horses in work.
He quickly marked his territory when Isti Star gave his him biggest win of his career in the Magic Millions National 2Y0 Classic at the Gold Coast last month.
It was hoped Shailer could go on to claim his maiden Group 1 in the Group 1 Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm but his big hope Deep Focus finished sixth, less than three lengths from Sydney stayer Maison Louis.
It came after an eye-catching second to the Waller-trained Imperialist in the Group 3 Rought Habit Plate at Eagle Farm.
Shailer now heads to Ipswich on Saturday chasing lesser spoils with one of his main hopes being Mister Bianco in the T L Cooney Handicap.
Melbourne Cup winning owner Noel Greenhalgh is another high-profile part-owner of Mister Bianco, who will be out to extend his winning sequence to three following recent Benchmark wins at the Gold Coast and Doomben.
His latest victory over 1200 metres at Doomben on June 4 was full of merit when sitting in behind the speed.
"It was a dominant win and he won by a decent margin," Shailer said.
"The third horse, Gin A Tonic, franked the form by winning at the Sunshine Coast last Sunday.
"He's racing with confidence now so he should be very competitive again at Ipswich."
Mister Bianco was bought by Shailer's brother Hamish, who is the stable's racing manager, for $70,000 at the Inglis Sales in Sydney.
The son of Zousain has already been a great money spinner earning almost $158,000 in prizemoney with four wins and four placings from 11 starts.
Shailer is confident Mister Bianco can extend his winning sequence after conferring with jockey Michael Rodd who rode the three-year-old in a barrier trial win at the Gold Coast on Tuesday.
"He had a tick-over barrier trial at the Gold Coast on Tuesday which he won well and Michael rode him and was very impressed with his performance," Shailer said.
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