3 minute read

Recent history indicates untapped colt Zoukerino can make his presence felt in The Rosebud.

Usually conservative in his placement of horses, John O'Shea is pitching debut winner Zoukerino straight into black-type company and his reasons for the move are twofold. 

Not only does the astute horseman have question marks over the two-year-old form from the autumn, he is also a keen student of racing who values proven templates. 

While Zoukerino will head into Saturday's Listed The Rosebud (1100m) as the least experienced runner in the field, O'Shea is more than happy to test the waters against rivals who boast predominantly autumn formlines. 

"I have a view, rightly or wrongly, that possibly the two-year-old form from last season is questionable," O'Shea said. 

"I think possibly there will be a new wave of horses coming through of which he hopefully is one. 

"He's a nice horse, he's out of a great family, off a good farm and young (bloodstock agent) Suman (Hedge) is doing a great job buying the yearlings." 

A $500,000 purchase, Zoukerino posted a classy debut win in a midweek winter maiden and O'Shea is hoping he can make a similar progression to Tulloch Lodge sprinter In The Congo 12 months ago. 

In The Congo won his first start at midweek level in May last year, was subsequently beaten in Saturday grade, then came off a short freshen-up to finish second in The Rosebud. 

He went on to win the San Domenico Stakes (1100m) and Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m). 

"Historical precedents. I love them," O'Shea said. 

"I would imagine this horse has a similar profile at the same stage of his career. 

"We're not trying to reinvent the wheel, we are just trying to replicate what was done previously. We've got a horse that's got ability and hopefully we can achieve what they did (with In The Congo), or go close to it. 

"It would be difficult for him to progress to the Golden Rose at his first preparation but if he was to be competitive in a San Domenico and a Run To The Rose, then he's well on the way to making himself a serious Group 1 horse." 

O'Shea will have a vested interest in the performance of Godolphin's Troach in The Rosebud with his stable apprentice Reece Jones chasing his first stakes win on the filly. 

If Zoukerino can't win, the trainer hopes Jones can. 

"We'd be really happy for Reece if that happened," O'Shea said. 

"He will acquit himself well. He rode the horse very well the other day and being a Godolphin horse, it will be well prepared."