Zeyrek Opens His Account in Australia

Mark Smith - Saturday March 5

With two wins and two stakes placing in four starts in France for Alain de Royer-Dupre, Zeyrek promised plenty in his adopted homeland, but it took eight starts for the son of Sea The Stars to breakthrough.

Sticking close to the rail (image Steve Hart)

It came in Saturday’s Cellarbrations Randwick City Stakes (2000m) at Randwick. Looking at home on the heavy track, the Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes-trained gelding romped to a two and a half length victory over Luncies (GB) (Iffraaj) with Knights Order (IRE) (So You Think).

 It was a first stakes win in Sydney for Williw Pike since relocating from Western Australia.

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“I was out on a limb an doing a bit of work, but he was doing it that well within himself,” Pike said.

“I was surprised to be so far forward; he was going like a rocket and took me there.

“I was pinching myself coming into the straight, I was still travelling and no one was pressing the issue. I think he loved it.

Bred by the Aga Khan, Zeyrek was purchased as a northern hemisphere 3yo by Rupert Legh and partners.

The son of Sea The Stars is the only one of five foals out of the unraced Dalakhani mare Zerkaza to reach the track.

A half-sister to three stakes winners including the Group 1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud winner Zarak (Dubawi), Zerkaza is a daughter of Zarkava the Horse of the Year in Europe in 2008; Champion 3YO Filly in Europe in 2008; Champion 2YO Filly & 3YO Filly in France in 2007 & 2008.

Zeyrek is stakes-winner 88 for Gilltown Stud’s 6-time Group 1 winner Sea The Stars (Cape Cross).

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Race Result - Cellarbrations Randwick City LR 2000m

Randwick Track: Heavy(10) Time: 2:07.18
1
Zeyrek
- 5g Sea The Stars (IRE) x Zerkaza (IRE) (Dalakhani (IRE))
Tnr: M, W & J Hawkes Rdr: W Pike 54
2
2.5
Luncies
- 5g Iffraaj (GB) x Under The Rainbow (GB) (Fantastic Light (USA))
Tnr: K A Lees Rdr: J R Collett 54
3
2.9
Knights Order
- 7g So You Think (NZ) x Lamanka Lass (USA) (Woodman (USA))
Tnr: G Waterhouse & A Bott Rdr: Jean Van Overmeire 57.5
So You Think
4
5.6
Sheraz
- 5g Sea The Stars (IRE) x Shemiyla (FR) (Dalakhani (IRE))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: J B Mc Donald 57
5
6.0
No Compromise
- 5g Pins (AUS) x Baggy Green (AUS) (Galileo (IRE))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: J Ford 53.5
6
7.1
Mightybeel
- 4g Savabeel (AUS) x Super Power (NZ) (Alamosa (NZ))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: Tommy Berry 57
7
8.4
True Marvel
- 6g Masked Marvel (GB) x Anecdotique (FR) (Enrique (GB))
Tnr: Matthew Smith Rdr: Ms K O'Hara 53
8
11.2
Kaapfever
- 7g Sufficient (NZ) x Kaapdiva (NZ) (Kaapstad (NZ))
Tnr: Joseph Pride Rdr: Tyler Schiller 53
9
11.6
Mustajeer
- 9g Medicean (GB) x Qelaan (USA) (Dynaformer (USA))
Tnr: K A Lees Rdr: B Avdulla 58
10
11.7
Entente
- 5g Dundeel (NZ) x Nextess (AUS) (Stratum (AUS))
Tnr: G Waterhouse & A Bott Rdr: Tim Clark 59.5
11
12.1
Olympic Gaze
- 4g Olympic Glory (IRE) x Wingstack (AUS) (Lonhro (AUS))
Tnr: P M Perry Rdr: Rachel King 54
12
14.1
Sweet Thomas
- 10g Dylan Thomas (IRE) x Sworn Pro (GER) (Protektor (GER))
Tnr: Matthew Smith Rdr: Tom Sherry 54
13
24.0
First In Line
- 6g New Approach (IRE) x Hidden Hope (GB) (Daylami (IRE))
Tnr: Matthew Smith Rdr: Regan Bayliss 54.5
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