While it was not quite the winning margin of the Doomben Cup, odds-on favourite Zaaki (GB) gave connections little cause for concern in the inaugural running of the $1,200,000 Group II Q22 (2200m) at Eagle Farm.
When the pace slackened mid-race, Hugh Bowman made a lightning move on Reloaded, but James McDonald was in a position to cover every move on Zaaki (GB).
The Anabel Neasham-trained son of Leroidesanimaux (BRA) had the race in his keeping at the 300m and was allowed to coast to the line to defeat Homesman (USA) (War Front) by one and a half lengths with Paths Of Glory (GB) (Mastercraftsman) a short-neck back in third.
That was great. I think I prefer the 2000m because it is not so long to watch,” Neasham said.
“He just did what he had to do. I am so lucky to have a horse like this starting off.
“I have loved him from day one. From day one he has looked a star. You don’t run them in a Doncaster first-up unless you have a big opinion of him.
“He has held his condition and form, I just wish the Cox Plate was on in two weeks.
“I was a bit nervous this morning so I will be happy to go and have a few drinks tonight and relax.”
Winner of the Group III York Strensall Stakes at York, Group III Diomed Stakes at Epsom and the Listed Paradise Stakes at Ascot when trained by Sir Michael Stoute, Zaaki (GB) advances his record to seven wins, four seconds and five thirds from 26 starts with earnings of $1,900,407.
A 40,000gns purchase by Ahmad Alotaibi out of the Staffordstown draft at the 2016 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, Zaaki (GB) bought by Blandford Bloodstock / Annabel Neasham Racing for 150,000gns out of the Freemason Lodge Stables (Sir M. Stoute) draft at the 2020 Autumn Horses In Training Sale.
A half-brother to stakes-paced Kirks Ryker (Selkirk), the Kirsten Rausing-bred Zaaki (GB) is the best of six winners from eight to race out of the Sadler's Wells mare Kesara, a half-sister to the dual Listed stakes-winner Persona Grata (Sir Percy).
