The two year-old colts and geldings maiden over 1200m at Warwick Farm on Wednesday produced a stirring battle to the line with a pair of Zoustar colts trading blows all the way to the finish until Zouprince finally poked his nose in front of Dazzle Legend with nearly four lengths back to the next horse.
Trained by Peter and Paul Snowden for Triple Crown Syndications, Zouprince was second on debut at Canterbury earlier this month and took good improvement from that experience.
He led for home under Reece Jones and when Dazzle Legend loomed up to challenge it appeared as though Zouprince was facing another defeat, but he rallied under pressure to snatch a head win.
“He’s an improving type and the more racing he does the more he will work this caper out,” said Paul Snowden.
“He still does a bit wrong and can get the wanders, but when he was challenged that fighting spirit he does possess kicked in and full credit to Reece, he got the best out of him.”
A $220,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Baramul Stud draft for Triple Crown, Zouprince is the first winner for Moonlight Waltz, a winning half-sister by Fastnet Rock to Group winners First Command and Oneworld from the family of Group I winners River Dove, Crown Prosecutor and Captivant.
Moonlight Waltz was one of 185 mares covered by Zoustar last spring.
Zouprince is the 14th two year-old winner this season for Widden Stud’s champion sire Zoustar, who stands at a fee of $220,000.
