'We might see an even better performance' - Zaaki posts immensely promising win
Gelding looks well bought at 150,000gns from Tattersalls Autumn HIT Sale
Zaaki, the former Sir Michael Stoute-trained six-year-old, got off the mark in Australia on Saturday with a stunning victory in the Group 2 Hollindale Stakes at the Gold Coast, marking himself down as a top-notcher of the future.
Zaaki was a dual Group 3 winner in Britain, in the Diomed Stakes and Strensall Stakes, but never contested a top-flight race in Europe. He did run for Stoute in the Hong Kong Mile, finishing down the field though not beaten that far, and his first start in Australia for new trainer Annabel Neasham was in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile, in which he was a fair sixth.
His Saturday success is almost certain to lead to another crack at top company again for the son of Leroidesanimaux in the near future.
Acting with Blandford Bloodstock, Neasham signed for Zaaki at 150,000gns at last year's Tattersalls Autumn Horse in Training Sale.
With seven Group 1 winners in the field this year, including champion New Zealand mare Melody Belle, the Hollindale Stakes had been compared to a race of the calibre of the Cox Plate in the lead-up.
Under James McDonald, Zaaki demoralised his high-class opposition after being backed heavily late on.
Neasham said she knew before the race that Zaaki was ready to perform well.
She said: "He's just been feeling so well. This morning he nearly bucked me off in the trotting ring and I think that's when he's best, when he's fresh."
At the line Zaaki had a two-and-a-quarter-length margin over Fifty Stars, who edged out Shared Ambition.
Neasham believes there are better things in store for the English import, who was having just his third Australian start on Saturday.
Her next target with him is the Group 1 Doomben Cup on May 22, for which he has been installed as favourite.
Neasham said: "Probably the most exciting thing about him, Sir Michael Stoute, who trained him back in England, and their team were adamant he is much better on firm ground (it was a Heavy 8), so hopefully in the Doomben Cup, if we can get some better ground, we might see an even better performance."
Subscribe to make sure you never miss updates from Australia, New Zealand and beyond and to have ANZ Bloodstock delivered to your inbox every day
Published on 8 May 2021inNews
Last updated 14:12, 8 May 2021
- Well-related winners and placed performers feature at the Tattersalls Cheltenham April Sale
- ‘It’s been constant pressure for the last six months’ - up-and-coming consignors out to make dreams come true at the Doncaster Breeze-Up Sale
- Three new board members for the National Stud
- Hide The Evidence a first winner for Sands Of Mali with victory at Bordeaux Le Bouscat
- Showcasing filly from a deep Moyglare family set for Gowran Park debut on Tuesday
- Well-related winners and placed performers feature at the Tattersalls Cheltenham April Sale
- ‘It’s been constant pressure for the last six months’ - up-and-coming consignors out to make dreams come true at the Doncaster Breeze-Up Sale
- Three new board members for the National Stud
- Hide The Evidence a first winner for Sands Of Mali with victory at Bordeaux Le Bouscat
- Showcasing filly from a deep Moyglare family set for Gowran Park debut on Tuesday