Cox Plate Fav Zaaki Has Solid Run at Trials

This year’s Gr1 WS Cox Plate favourite Zaaki (Leroidesanimaux-Kesara, by Sadler’s Wells) rounded off nicely at the Warwick Farm trials yesterday, reports racenet.com.au. Jockey Raphael Marchelli followed the field around, then finished strongly to end up just under six lengths from winner Private Eye (Al Maher-Confidential Queen, by Shamardal). Trainer Annabel Neasham has yet to decide on Zaaki’s spring campaign, but his key target is the Cox Plate on October 23. The trial winner, Gr2 Queensland Guineas winner Private Eye, will be aimed at Sydney’s $7.5m Golden Eagle after winning the 900m trial in 52.14 (last 600m in 33.69). Quick Thinker (So You Think-Acouplamas, by Al Maher) won his trial with Rosehill Guineas winner Mo’unga (Savabeel-Chandelier, by O’Reilly) finishing last of the four runners, but looked comfortable in his action. Meanwhile Melbourne Cup hopeful She’s Ideel (Dundeel-Ana’s Mail, by Anabaa) won her head over 1100m in 1:06.83 (last 600m in 34.72).

Zaaki gets warm late in the third Group & Listed trial of the morning, which was taken out by Queensland Guineas winner Private Eye. pic.twitter.com/39ieZjRKUk

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) August 8, 2021