Zoukerino left little doubt that he will be a player in the early three-year-old stakes races after a hugely impressive career debut over 1100m at Randwick-Kensington on Wednesday.
A few were well aware that Snitzel was above average and after $31 was on offer when betting opened, went off a $4.40 chance.
Ridden by Brenton Avdulla for John O’Shea, Zoukerino tracked the early speed before spearing between runners at the 300m. The son of Snitzel quickly put a winning margin over the chasing pack to defeat One Destiny (Super One) by three and a quarter lengths with Capital Asset (Capitalist) a long-head back in third.
“We have always thought very highly of him, but coming here on a heavy 10, you just can’t be very confident,” O’Shea said.
“He drew the outside barrier 17 (before scratchings), and we were a little perplexed. Brenton gave him a beautiful ride, and he was well educated. James (McDonald) rode him earlier in the year, gave him a good smack on the bum, and taught him what it was all about.
“It’s really rewarding for Suman Hedge, who bought the horse. He is a brilliant young agent, and he bought it for a good group of people who I am lucky to have in the stable, and I think they have a really good colt.
“He was a beautiful yearling. He came off John Muir’s fantastic farm and has a great pedigree.”
Bred by John Muir’s Milburn Creek Stud, Zoukerino was knocked down to Suman Hedge for a sale-topping $500,000 at the 2021 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale.
A brother to Group III-placed Spend, Zoukerino is the fourth winner for the Hussonet (USA) Walk With Attitude, who carried Muir’s Brown and white checks to victory in the Listed VRC Desirable Stakes.
Suman Hedge must have high regard for Zoukerino as he and Ciaron Maher Bloodstock went to $800,000 for Walk With Attitude’s I Am Invincible filly at the Gold Coast earlier this year.
From the family of French Oaks heroine / blue hen Rafha and champion sires Invincible Spirit and Kodiac, Walk With Attitude has a weanling colt by The Autumn Sun and visited Zoustar last spring.
