Zaaki seeks Doomben Cup redemption
Evergreen galloper ZAAKI is the one to beat in Saturday’s $1 million Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m) from Doomben Racecourse, Australia.
Not for the first time, the Doomben Cup will be ZAAKI’S to win or lose after he claimed this race two years ago by a massive seven-length margin before going on to check in 1.65 lengths into third in last year’s edition when $1.24 in the betting. Since claiming the G1 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) in early November, ZAAKI rested for five months but has been sensational in two starts back. First-up, he turned in an eye-catcher to Giga Kick in the G1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) before going on to claim the G2 Hollindale (1800m) quite easily.
ZAAKI is the even-money favourite to continue his winning form and pick up a second Doomben Cup this week, with Chris Waller-trained up-and-comer KOVALICA the only other runner in single figures in the betting. Last year’s winner, HUETOR, has yet to win another race since but has been in good form recently, finishing runner-up to ZAAKI last start.
McAuliffe’s work of Art
Progressive three-year-old VAST ART can land back-to-back wins for trainer Darren McAuliffe contesting the $80,000 Ratings 66+ Handicap over 1600m from Belmont Racecourse, Australia on Saturday.
VAST ART has put together a tidy record of three wins with as many placings from eight outings so far, off the back of a last-start win in a race of this nature at Ascot on May 6. On that occasion, he let down with his trademark turn-of-foot to score narrowly by impressively.
With seemingly having plenty of more upside to come, and well weighted on 55kgs in this week’s field, VAST ART looks tough to hold out again from barrier 3.
The Khan to rule for Brooker
Five-year-old gelding THE KHAN is primed to break through in the $24,500 Maiden race over 2150m at Toowoomba racecourse this Saturday.
THE KHAN has been knocking on the door recently, finishing in the money three times from four starts this preparation. The Mongolian Khan gelding finished third in a much stronger race than this week’s at Eagle Farm last time out, when he gave a bold sight and led most way, beaten only 0.45 lengths over 1800m.
This week, THE KHAN finds a highly winnable race returning to the provincial track and standing out as the only form choice, he can prove hard to run down under jockey Tiffani Brooker.
