As tough and as gallant as they come are ways to describe the little bullet that is Shellscrape.

Winning first up on 8 August in impressive fashion Shellscrape beat a top field of three year olds to claim the Group Three San Domenico Stakes at Randwick. Returning from a let up after the Sydney and Brisbane carnivals this gutsy colt has positioned himself among the top line three year olds for this season.

Following his win at Randwick Shellscrape started in the Group Three Up and Coming Stakes where he was run down late to finish second beaten by Rarefield who looks to be a star in the making.

A post race meeting with the interested parties in Shellscrape saw Chris Waller Racing (CWR) accept with him as a late entry in the Group One $1 Million Golden Rose at Rosehill.

Backing up seven days later and not losing any admirers Shellscrape crossed from a wide barrier to sit outside the leader as they went hammer and tongs in the first 800m of the race.

Not to be outdone Shellscrape hit the front turning for home and fought on doggedly to run a very courageous  fifth behind four of Australia"s best three year olds: Denman, Trusting, Stryker and Hus Der Lieften.

Shellscrape is by a rising sire sensation Dane Shadow and it is a credit to Mick Malone and all the crew at Kitchwin Hills for the great job this stallion is doing.

I am sure Shellscrape will continue to perform well at the top level and I have a sneaky suspicion that there is another big win in store for him. Well done to everyone involved and good luck this spring.