Fresh Zoutori an Oakleigh Threat

Carrying topweight is never a great advert for any horse given that weight stops trains, however there’s an argument that it’s less of an anchor over a sprint distance. That theory will again be put to the test on Saturday when noted fresh-up runner Zoutori (Zoustar-Atotori by Haradasun) lugs 58kg in the Gr1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield. According to racenet.com.au, the sometimes-overlooked son of Widden Stud stallion Zoustar (Northern Meteor) is poised to go one better than last year where he finished a slashing runner-up. In his corner in 2021 is Australia’s jockey of the moment Jamie Kah whose rich vein of form could see her win on a rocking horse. A consistent theme through Zoutori’s formline is his first-up form, a variable that co-trainer Mark Zahra is patently aware of, given his charge’s 4 wins from 7 starts fresh-up, including back-to-back runnings of the Gr2 Bobbie Lewis. Looking at the positives following last year’s defeat, Zahra commented, “He probably wasn’t going as well last year as he’s going now. He’s had a good spell and it wasn’t a tough spring for him.” Noting the gelding will probably get back in running, Zahra enthused, “Jamie knows him really well, which is a positive in a race like the Oakleigh Plate where there’s going to be a big field.” Zoutori is a $11 quote in pre-post markets.