Zapateo sprints to a G1 Galaxy win
Zapateo was not considered the leading chance of the Godolphin-owned trio in The Galaxy at Rosehill but the mare has sprinted to a narrow win in the Group 1 race.
Five-year-old mare Zapateo was sent out a $26 chance in Saturday’s 1100m dash with stablemate Aft Cabin the $6 second favourite and Kallos at $51.
With Kerrin Mcevoy aboard, Zapateo was able to get into a nice spot just behind the leaders before giving chase in the straight as Front Page and Asfoora kicked strongly.
Zapateo reeled in the leaders late but also had to hold off the $5.50 favourite Sunshine In Paris who charged along the inside to only go down narrowly by a head.
Front Page was another long head away third while Zapateo’s stablemates finished unplaced.
Trainer James Cummings said it was an important win for Zapateo, who had won five stakes races during her career and been placed in both the Group Two Rubiton Stakes and Group Two Challenge Stakes so far this campaign.
“It’s so important for Zapateo. She’s a phenomenal racehorse by Brazen Beau and she just needed that Group 1 on her CV,” Cummings said.
“She was very good first up. I know she was beaten by Kallos but we had great faith that there was improvement in her and a month into the weight-for-age run in the Challenge last start, she was good.
“She beat home the stablemate (Aft Cabin in the Challenge) who was the tip horse out of the stable.
“Kerrin gave her the run of the race and it makes all the difference in a handicap.”
Trainer Annabel Neasham believes Sunshine In Paris is on target for the TJ Smith Stakes at her next start after her strong return in her first start since the spring.
Neasham was also narrowly denied in the George Ryder Stakes earlier in the day when Lady Laguna finished a close second to Veight.
“Second in two Group Ones, you can’t say it’s a bad day but it’s one of those days that could have been very special,” Neasham said.
“That was a huge finish (from Sunshine In Paris) and she’s going to be right on track now for the TJ.”
Coolmore Stud Stakes winner Ozzmosis bungled the start which cruelled his chances of a first-up win and he finished at the tail of the field.
More Racing News
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...
War Machine back in winning form at Caulfield
A great deal has transpired for War Machine over the past twelve months.On the equivalent weekend last year, the horse trained by Ben, Will, and Jd Hayes, War Machine, was competing in Sydney for The Everest.While the results didn't align with the Lindsay Park trainers' aspirations, War Machine had entered...
Saintly Dancer's Thousand Guineas triumph highlights Shinn's comeback
Jockey Blake Shinn has celebrated his first Group 1 win since recovering from a significant leg injury, as Saintly Dancer dictated terms from the front to capture the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.Shinn endured a fractured leg from a fall during last year's Melbourne Cup and made his return to competitive...
Chains Of Love's stunning Kosciuszko win defies the odds
In a truly remarkable turn of events, Chains Of Love, despite her challenging draw and a run wide for the entirety of the race, managed to surge past Band Of Brothers in a thrilling conclusion.This victory marks a consecutive win in The Kosciuszko for the training partnership of Paul Messara...
Grafterburners triumphs in Sydney Stakes after declining Everest start
Kelly Schweida, the trainer, has disclosed that he declined an offer for an Everest slot for Grafterburners to focus on its $2 million consolation race. This decision has proven to be a masterstroke, as the colt has claimed a thrilling Sydney Stakes victory at Randwick.The Queensland trainer felt his charge...
So You Are books Melbourne Cup ticket after St Leger triumph
The connections of improving stayer So You Are can celebrate a successful outcome, as the horse has overcome a pre-race incident to position itself favourably for a Melbourne Cup start.In Saturday's St Leger Stakes (2600m) at Randwick, the Bjorn Baker-trained $3.30 favourite, ridden by Tommy Berry, demonstrated resilience to fend...
Caulfield Classic and Ethereal Stakes Produce New Classic Hopefuls
The complexion of the Spring Carnival's two major Group 1 Classics was altered on Saturday with the emergence of two significant new players at Caulfield.King Snitz has propelled himself into Victoria Derby calculations following a last-stride triumph in the Caulfield Classic, while Quick Finish has climbed the Oaks betting charts...