'Shillelagh' dazzles

(Shillelagh Slew working at Classic Mile in Florida this winter)

Queen's Plate buzz became very loud Saturday afternoon when David James' SHILLELAGH SLEW crushed an allowance field at Woodbine by 4 1/4 lengths in his first start as a 3-year-old.
The Quebec-bred son of Chief Seattle - Frippalina was allowed to keep rolling past the wire by jockey Dino Luciani and galloped out more than 20 lengths ahead of his toiling rivals.
Shillelagh Slew is trained by Mike DePaulo, who also has the undefeated BAD HAT, another Plate hopeful.
"Mike wanted him to gallop out a bit," said Luciani. "And he galloped out phenomenally."
The colt, who was bred by Haras Di Chevrillard, won a maiden race and was third in the Coronation Futurity last year in 4 starts as a 2-year-old.
"He was a bit skinny last year and lost some of his tail but it's grown back and he's just been doing so well," said DePaulo.
Shillelagh Slew cerainly ran to his impressive looks in the paddock, striding out like he wanted so much more as he came to the wire with his ears pricked.
The time of 1:23 4/5 was impressive over a surface that was not playing fast.
Other Plate eligibles in the 12-horse allowance field included runner-up Seeking Shelter, who was making his 3-year-old debut for Pin Oak Stable and King Serpico Stable's Salty Earle, who finished third.