Tazima impresses with another winter win

Tazima, partnered by jockey Grima, achieved their third consecutive triumph in the Precise Air Handicap (1800m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

The promising colt Tazima has now notched up five wins this season, a notable achievement. Trainer Chris Waller commented that this latest victory was arguably his best performance.

"I feel that was close to his best win,'' Waller said. "He was up in grade but he won quite easily. "We will keep him going through the winter, he's thriving, he's well, and he's winning with plenty in hand. "He could be a Wyong Cup-type of horse. Those type of races will come around pretty soon and there is an 1800m race at Rosehill or Randwick next month which is going to be his next run to keep him ticking along.''

Tazima, who went off as the $3.90 favourite, completed a winning treble on the Randwick program for Grima. He pulled away impressively to win by two lengths from Boniface ($5.50), with Sly Boots ($5) a further three lengths behind in third.

Grima shared that her very first ride for the Waller stable was on Tazima, which resulted in a win on the Kensington track in August last year.

"Tazima was my first winner from my first ride for Chris and that is my fourth win on the horse now,'' Grima enthused.

The race didn't unfold perfectly for Grima, as Tazima was forced to race three-wide early, although he did have cover.

"I honestly don't mind the three-wide line today if you can get a bit of cover,'' said Grima, who also won on Perfect Justice and Beneva earlier. "Tazima travelled beautifully for me, he got a lovely cart into the straight and was just too good.''

Grima's treble at Randwick brings her season total to 33 city wins, giving her a three-win lead over Braith Nock in the race for the Sydney apprentices premiership.

While Grima was the star jockey at Randwick, Reece Jones also celebrated with a pair of wins in close finishes.

Jones found the most economical path home on Zouripper to score narrowly in the Kieran Moore Handicap (1000m).

This was Jones' second tight but successful finish, following his win on Proxima Dea in the opener.

However, much like Jones' win on Proxima Dea, the jockey was not entirely sure if Zouripper had won in another finish that had everyone on the edge of their seats.

"I didn't know if we got there, I just put my head down and went for it,'' Jones said. "To his credit, Zouripper tried very hard. He got through the heavy pretty well and I'm glad we got there right on the line.''

Zouripper was settled three pairs back, one off the fence early. Approaching the turns, Jones had the option to shift the sprinter out towards the centre of the home straight to launch his finishing effort.

Instead, Jones made a tactical decision to switch back towards the inside rail, a move that proved to be a masterstroke, delivering the jockey the second win of his Randwick double.

Zouripper ($4.40) arrived just in time to defeat the gallant Petticoat ($3 favourite), with Prima Bella ($3.50) finishing a half-length back in third.

Trainer Joe Pride was taking a rare Saturday off from racing, but stable representative Orla Pearl commented that Zouripper is only just beginning his winter campaign.

"This was Zouripper's third run this time in and he's going well,'' Pearl said. "He ran such a strong race last time we were pretty confident coming here today because he handles these wet tracks."

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