In what was billed as one of the classiest line-ups in recent years, Saturday's $500,000 Group II Hollindale Stakes at the Gold Coast proved to be a romp for the Annabel Neasham trained Zaaki (GB).
Sensationally backed into favouritism, Zaaki (GB) had his army of supporters on good terms when he tracked into the race under a strong hold by James McDonald.
When let down, the 6yo son of Leroidesanimaux quickly put the race to bed. He was untroubled to defeat Fifty Stars (IRE) (Sea The Stars) by two and a quarter lengths with Shared Ambition (IRE) (Born To Sea) a long-head back in third.
Zaaki (GB) was thrown in at the deep end when he made his Australian debut in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile at Randwick on April 10. He was far from disgraced when a three and a half-length six. He backed up a fortnight later when edged out by Paths Of Glory (GB) in the Group III JRA Plate at Randwick.
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 five wins, four seconds and five thirds from 24 starts with earnings of $760,407.
A 40,000gns purchase by Ahmad Alotaibi out of the Staffordstown draft at the 2016 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, Zaaki (GB) looks an inspired acquisition 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.
"It was a beautiful ride, J Mac is the best for a reason, and I just left it to him," Neasham said.
"He ended up a little bit further than I though but it didn't look like there was a whole lot of speed. He is quite a strong traveller, but when he was in that spot I was confident he would be hard to beat.
"He's just been feeling so well. "This morning, he nearly bucked me off in the trotting ring and I think that's when he's at his best, when he's fresh
"The most exciting thing about him is that Michael Stoute trained him back in England and the team there said he is much better on firm ground. So hopefully, if we get firm ground for the Doomben Cup, that might suit him even better.
"They are a great group of owners. He races in Carl Holt's colours, and there is a big group back in Melbourne as well.
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).
Best known in these parts as the sire of the Kentucky Derby and Dubai World Cup winner Animal Kingdom (USA), Leroidesanimaux (BRZ) has enjoyed a fine few days in Australia as his son Le Don de Vie (GB) captured the Listed Warrnambool Cup on Thursday.
