Eurocanto takes out the 2025 Maribyrnong Trial Stakes
Early-season two-year-olds aren’t usually Mark Zahra’s go-to rides—unless the request comes from Lindsay Park.
Answering the call from Ben, Will and J D Hayes, Zahra piloted Eurocanto to a debut stakes win in Victoria’s opening juvenile contest, the Listed Maribyrnong Trial (1000m) at Flemington.
Eurocanto ($8) was ridden quietly, swung wide late and charged home to nab Streisand ($5.50) by a half-head, with One Day At A Time ($4) finishing a further neck away.
“To be honest, I usually don’t like riding two-year-olds too early but when the Hayes’ call, I’ll pick up the phone,” Zahra said.
“They’ll usually identify one that they’re happy with and they want me to trial.
“It is a good process and if I like it them, I’ll stick with it.
“That is what happened with this guy. I trialled him twice and liked him two times and he’s got the job done today.”
There were a few anxious moments: the colt was fractious in the barriers and Zahra was held up on the fence at the 400m before finding clear running.
“It is a tough test first-up up the straight over 1000 (metres) and I like to be the last one on the scene,” Zahra said.
“He did that well. He was able to travel up behind them and showed good grit late to win.”
A $250,000 purchase at the Gold Coast, Eurocanto was earmarked by the Lindsay Park buying team led by Dean Hawthorne and quickly stamped himself as a promising type.
“We really liked him, and we’ve had good success with the stallion,” Hayes said.
“He’s an athletic style of horse with plenty of improvement to come and it was good to be able to kick off his career in that fashion.”
By Per Incanto—sire of Little Brose, the 2023 Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes winner (run at Sandown)—Eurocanto owns a pedigree that suggests more to come.
“It was a professional performance,” Hayes said.
“We’ll see how he pulls up and it would be tempting, all systems go, to go to Cup week, but first and foremost we’ll see how he is first thing in the morning.”
If you’re planning a punt on the Maribyrnong Trial, check the best betting sites, leading betting apps and top bookmakers first.
More Racing News
Extragalactic's Flemington mission in McEwen Stakes
While many in the racing world will lament the closure of the old Moonee Valley track, trainer Trent Edmonds isn't lamenting the timing of its renovation.This Saturday marks the first Cox Plate meeting to be held away from 'The Valley', and Edmonds is set to be at Flemington with Extragalactic,...
Blind Raise's faith rewarded with Cox Plate start
Trent Busuttin is aware that if the primary goal was to secure a Group 1 victory, the more prudent strategy would be to send Blind Raise to Sydney for this Saturday's Spring Champion Stakes.Nevertheless, he also recognises that the type of opportunity that has arisen this year is not a...
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
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...