3 minute read
Newmarket Handicap winner set Randwick Group 1
After opting to bypass Friday’s William Reid Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m), Newmarket Handicap (Gr 1, 1200m) winner Zoutori (Zoustar) will now head to the TJ Smith Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) on the first day of The Championships at Randwick on April 3.
"He came through it (Newmarket) in good order, he had a pretty cruisy week and gave him plenty of time, it was a tough run and he was pretty tired," Simon Zahra, who trains in partnership with Mathew Ellerton, told Racing.com.
"Everything panned out well for him and I always felt he was deserving of a Group 1, he had been around the mark and wasn't far off pinching one.
"It was a great day for our stable and might help us get to that level we are trying to build to."
Zahra is also hoping this weekend's predicted forecast doesn't repeat itself in Sydney.
"He went the other way in Brisbane but had probably come to the end of his three-year-old season and wasn't at his best so hopefully he can get on the right leg," Zahra explained.
"He will start working the reverse way next week and get him ready for the T.J. Smith Stakes.
"As long as it isn't a bottomless Heavy 10, I think that just knocks them around."
The co-trainer said the option is there for Zoutori to stay in Sydney and take his place in the All Aged Stakes (Gr 1, 1400m) at Royal Randwick on April 17.