'We might see an even better performance' - Zaaki posts immensely promising win

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