After a big Saturday of stakes racing, Zoustar still holds the top slot on the Australian General Sires List by earnings and he featured on Sunday with a debut winner that could be considered a bargain buy given the soaring stocks of his sire.
Trained by Leon and Troy Corstens, handsome chestnut colt Zourata was a short priced favourite for the 1000m maiden and lived up to expectation when scoring a two length win in the heavy 10 conditions.
“He wasn’t that comfortable on the ground, he travelled super and got the job done and it was a pleasing result for the connections,” said winning rider Blake Shinn.
“I think he’s a very promising horse and when he gets on top of the ground we’ll see his talent.”
Bred by Rifa Mustang, Zourata was a modest $80,000 Magic Millions purchase for Malua Bloodstock from the draft of Sledmere Stud, who have retained an interest in his ownership as have Rifa Mustang.
He is the first living foal from the Group II placed Stratum mare Strata Lady, who traces back to Group I Blue Diamond winner Midnight Fever, the family producing numerous stakes-winners including Group I winner Rock Classic.
