Search

Zebstar work forces sale rethink

Gay Kelleway's Zebstar is one of 22 juveniles entered for the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot on Thursday.

A winner of a Newmarket maiden on his only start to date, the Zebedee colt had been due to go to the Goffs London sale on the eve of the meeting, but so impressive was his work on Friday morning that his owners Northern Line Racing have decided to gamble and live the dream.

"We haven't run him since his debut as we had a plan, the maiden and then the Norfolk, and we didn't want to waver," said Kelleway.

"You can run these two-year-olds too much.

"We have other races in mind for him like the July Stakes and the Prix Morny, he's a good horse, we know what we have.

"The only thing is he wouldn't want the ground rattling quick, he had to have two weeks off after he won his maiden, we nearly didn't run him then. It will be a late call.

"The owners have now decided they don't want to sell. He did an amazing piece of work this morning which made their minds up.

"They've turned down some big offers so I hope it works out well for them.

"His maiden has worked out, four winners have come out of it, despite the handicapper rubbishing the race.

"The best thing is I don't think he's a real speedster in the long term. I think he'll be better over six furlongs, but he's the best two-year-old I've had."

Several horses entered have other options during the week, principally the Coventry Stakes.

The likes of Buratino, Log Out Island and Round Two are all among the market leaders for Tuesday's race but are doubly engaged.

Aidan O'Brien has entered Washington DC and Waterloo Bridge, while Richard Hannon's King Of Rooks will be strongly fancied, along with stablemate Orvar.


At The Races

today's racing

Error occured
{{disciplineGroup.DisciplineFullText}}
{{course.CountryName || course.Country}}