Imported Zaaki Firm Doomben Cup Favourite

Following his win in the Gr2 Hollindale Stakes at the Gold Coast, Zaaki (Leroidesanimaux-Kesara, by Sadler's Wells) has been punted into the $3 favourite for Saturday's Gr1 Doomben Cup, reports racingqueensland.com.au. "He's not your usual European-type horse and is much like Australian horses," trainer Annabel Neasham said. "When I bought him in England, I was told he was better on dry tracks. I was a little nervous before the Hollindale on a soft surface but it was a soft win and going to 2000 metres will suit him." Hollindale Stakes winners have a terrific record in the Doomben Cup, with 10 wins from 29 starters. Zaaki has had only the three runs in Australia, running sixth in the Gr1 Doncaster Handicap, then second in the Gr3 Japan Racing Association Plate over 2000m behind Paths of Glory (Mastercraftsman-Pacific Rim, by Singspiel), before his last start victory in the Gr2 Hollindale Stakes over 1800m. His sire Leroidesanimaux (Candy Stripes-Dissemble, by Ahonoora) is best known in Australia for his Group 1-winning son Animal Kingdom (Leroidesanimaux-Dalicia, by Acatenango), who has sired 13 stakes winners including Group 1 winners Angel of Truth (Animal Kingdom-Scarletini, by Bernardini) and Oleksandra (Animal Kingdom-Alexandra Rose, by Caesour). Should Zaaki prevail on Saturday, against a field that includes current Cox Plate winner Sir Dragonet (Camelot) and Cox Plate fourth Mugatoo (Henrythenavigator) – subsequent winner of the $5 million All Star Mile, he will likely find himself close to being 2021's Cox Plate favourite.