Punters just kept continuing to launch into Zougotcha ($1.50) for the Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes and she justified the support with a dominant win over the 1500m.
Trainer Chris Waller elected to take the easier option for connections, scratching from the Group 1 Coolmore Classic earlier in the week, seemingly paying dividends on Saturday.
James McDonald expertly crafted his way to the one-one position throughout the 1500m contest with Glint Of Silver taking things up throughout.
Fireburn was cast wide throughout the race, pulling her head most of the trip and never settling into a spot after being ridden more positively. Meanwhile, Brosnan was tracking her the whole way home providing a nice turn-of-foot for each-way punters finding third position.
It was all too easy for Zougotcha however, with the form from the Group 1 Surround Stakes holding true in this company with another subsequent winner.
2023 Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes Replay – Zougotcha
Chris Waller spoke post-race about coming to the Phar Lap as a confidence builder for the three-year-old filly.
“It was almost disappointing to scratch her from the Coolmore,” said Waller.
“but through that experience of having confidence building races with the horses like Winx it’s an important stepping stone. Three-year-old fillies, they’re fragile.
“They are not just a horse you can send to the races and just expect to perform at that elite level. They like a bit of a cuddle and a bit of a pat on the back and she got that today.”
Waller suggested that the Group 1 Doncaster Mile could be the next stop for Zougotcha moving forward.
“Next step is something bigger which will probably be the Doncaster. That’ll be another mountain to climb.”
It can be a daunting task to steer such a short-priced commodity, but James McDonald acknowledged how relieving it can be once getting clear.
“I’m glad that’s over,” said McDonald.
“Obviously you’ve got to keep your wits about you. Horses that are expected to win, sometimes they are harder to ride than ones without that pressure.
“It’s always good when you get a good horse in a good spot and from the 600m it was pretty smooth sailing.”
Online bookmakers have Zougotcha marked an $8 equal favourite for the Doncaster Mile on April 1.
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