Trainer Tony Gollan’s confidence his filly Shamurt could beat plunge horse Cuddle Me Tight has proved correct at Toowoomba.

Cuddle Me Tight, a first starter by sire Love Conquers All, was as short as $1.60 in pre-post betting markets before settling at $2 for the Spirit Of Boom two-year-old race (1100m) on Saturday.

After sharing the lead to the home turn, Cuddle Me tight kicked clear but could not hold off Shamurt ($2.80), who ran her down by a neck.

The Palms ($10) battled on to be third 4-1/4 lengths back.

Gollan has a good opinion of Shamurt, who trialled very well before winning her first start at Doomben two weeks ago.

“We can start to look for something a bit better for her now. We will probably look at something like the Champagne Classic and then the Sires’ Produce at Doomben,” Gollan said.

“But I will have a good look at her this week and see if we need one more run before then or if we go with a short break.”

“Now we know she can handle wet and dry tracks and she looks a nice type.”

Jockey Jim Byrne also had a big opinion of Shamurt, who he said he finished very strongly.

“I am looking forward to getting out to a bit further on her,” Byrne said.

Apprentice Taylor Marshall said Cuddle Me Tight would benefit a lot from the first start.

Credit: AAP