Australian Racing - Racing: Zaaki targets Queen Elizabeth Stakes

bet365 News Team Published: Mar 19 2022 16:30

A return to Randwick and a tilt at the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes on 9th April is next on the agenda for Zaaki after the Annabel Neasham-trained gelding got back to winning ways in Saturday's All-Star Mile at Flemington.

The multiple Group 1 winner made light work of the fourth running of the $5million race, defeating Golden Eagle winner I'm Thunderstruck and Group 1 winner Streets Of Avalon comfortably and he's now available at 7/2 for next month's Queen Elizabeth.

Commanding win

Sent off the favourite for the All-Star Mile despite suffering a shock defeat in the Group 2 Blamey Stakes on his previous outing, Zaaki rewarded his legion of followers with a commanding length-and-a-half win.

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"A $5million race, it's unbelievable," Neasham said. "I don't know why I was worried at the top of the straight, I needn't be.

"He's just unbelievable. I get very nervous when he's running, it just feels like relief but elation as well."

Star-studded line-up

Neasham said Zaaki would now chase more riches in the $4million Queen Elizabeth Stakes where a mouth-watering clash with star mare Verry Elleegant, her Ranvet Stakes conqueror Montefilia and Saturday's dominant Group 1 Rosehill Guineas winner Anamoe, as well as Group 1 Australian Cup heroine Duais, awaits.

"We'll enjoy this for now, but certainly the Queen Elizabeth will be the target," the trainer confirmed.