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Elite kiwi horses often take the Zabeel Classic run at Ellerslie on Saturday.
Danzdanzdance was in great form last year. Will the 2019 Zabeel Classic (2000m) at Ellerslie on Saturday throw up a quality winner?
2019 ZABEEL CLASSIC - RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
The Zabeel Classic is a Group 1 race run under Weight For Age conditions for middle distance horses at Ellerslie race course conducted by the Auckland Racing Club.
The Zabeel Classic is run over 2000m.
The Zabeel Classic is conducted on Boxing Day. The NZ Derby used to be on that day but was moved to March.
The race became a G1 in 1987.
A couple of New Zealand's famous WFA horses (Our) Waverley Star and Horlicks won in the 80s.
The Zabeel Classic is worth NZ$200,000 in 2019.
Recent notable winners of Zabeel Classic include Danzdanzdance (2018), Kawi (2015), Veyron (2012), Sir Slick (2007), St Reims (2005), Hail (2003), Giovana (2002), Zonda (2001), Vialli (1998), Star Dancer (1995/1996), All In Fun (1994), Horlicks (1990) and Waverley Star (1986).
The 2018 Zabeel Classic was won by Danzdanzdance from Lizzie L'Amour and Jon Snow.