Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott have taken out the 2023 Caloundra Cup with Zoumon, after their gelding was given a peach of a ride by Tim Clark from the front at the Sunshine Coast on Saturday afternoon.
The gelded son of Zoustar had been the race favourite with most online bookmakers since markets opened on Wednesday; however, he drifted on in the final 10 minutes before the jump and jumped as a $3.70 second favourite.
From the jump it was clear that Tim Clark wanted to lead, as he pushed forward from barrier 11 and found the rail to take up the lead turning out of the home straight for the first time.
After leading for every step of the way over the 2400m in the Caloundra Cup, Tim Clark and Zoumon turned the final corner in front and had a fight on his hands from Bois D’argent with 300m to go, but he fought him off to record a well-deserved victory.
2023 Caloundra Cup Replay – Zoumon
With Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott not being present on track in the Sunshine Coast, William Lee represented the stable in the post-race interview.
“He does everything right back home and on raceday, which makes our lives easy,” Lee said.
“He’s the ultimate professional and it was a nice, easy watch when he travelled and then gave a kick.”
“Tim gave him the perfect ride, it was a typical Gai and Adrian ride, take him to the front and try to string them out.
“It worked to perfection so credit to him and the horse.”
Tim Clark brought up his first Caloundra Cup success with his win on Zoumon, and he spoke post-race.
“He’s an absolute pleasure to ride, he’s got a great attitude and he relaxes well during the race. So that makes my life very easy, I just have to sit and steer,” Clark said.
“He was probably just waiting for something to come up to him, and every time the grey horse got to his hind quarters, I could feel him lift for me.
“He’s come back in great order, he’s got a couple of nice strong wins in a row now so I think Gai and Adrian will press onto the Grafton Cup with him.”
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