Zabeel Mare Wins Group Two

Media Release - Saturday December 16
The country's leading trainers have continued their recent domination of a Te Rapa Group Two feature with this year's winner completing a stunning stakes double on the Hamilton course.

Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman have enjoyed a stellar run in the Cal Isuzu Stakes (1600m) with past successes with Lady Kipling (2011), Diademe (2013), Sports Illustrated (2014) and last season with Coldplay.

Lizzie L'Amour - Trish DunnellIt was the turn on Saturday of Lizzie L'Amour, who led home a stable trifecta 12 months to the day since she claimed top honours in the Gr.3 Waikato Cup (2400m).

The Zabeel mare was making her first appearance since a disappointing spring campaign in Melbourne where she failed to flatter in four appearances.

"In Australia she didn't exhibit this sort of form and I don't know why – she's not called Dizzy Lizzie for nothing," Baker said. "She had been working well though."

Lizzie L'Amour sat outside the leader Stolen Dance and she finished bravely under rider Matthew Cameron.

"She's obviously a very good mare when she's right and it was a good ride from Matt, he got his tactics right," Baker said.

The favourite Love Affair did well to come from the back of the field, on a day when there was a bias toward on pace runners, to finish runner-up in her first crack at weight-for-age. Stolen Dance boxed on strongly for third.

"It's very satisfying and a big surprise, I thought Love Affair would be very hard to beat," Baker said. "She's a very good horse and her turn will come."

Lizzie L'Amour will now defend her crown in the Gr.1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) on Boxing Day at Ellerslie where she will renew her rivalry with Stolen Dance. Plans for Love Affair have yet to be confirmed. – NZ Racing Desk.



Advertisment
More Reading...
Magic Millions - The Book
The famous US sports journo, Red Smith, once proclaimed that : “writing is easy … I just sit down at my typewriter and open a vein”.
Cambridge Stud Celebrate Ceolwulf Victory
Homebred Ceolwulf’s successful defence of his Gr.1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m) title ensured Cambridge Stud celebrated a top day at Randwick.
Vale, Dual Cox Plate Hero So You Think
In Cox Plate week when we remember some of the all time great Cox Plate winners, So You Think is a name that will always come into the conversation with tragic news from Coolmore on Monday announcing his sudden passing. 
Sires With Winners - Tuesday October 21
Here is the full list of 15 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Delacroix Brings Dubawi Outcross to Coolmore Roster
Blueblood 3YO Dubawi colt Delacroix has been retired and the dual Group I winner will stand at Coolmore in Ireland in 2026.
Henry Longfellow Pedigree Gets an Update
Group I winning Dubawi stallion Henry Longfellow (IRE) is covering his first Australian book of mares at Rosemont Stud this spring and overnight in Ireland his two year-old sister-in-blood landed her first Group race win.
Foals From Famous Families
There’s now over 400 foals on the Breednet Foal Gallery and it’s easy to spend a bit too much time having a look for whatever might interest us but here’s a few born into famous families that always take the eye.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Hawkesbury
A lone 2YO went around in an 800m trial for two and three year-olds at Hawkesbury on Tuesday and the Snitzel colt won in good style carrying the Mulberry Racing colours.
First winner for White Robe Lodge's Ancient Spirit
Ancient Spirit (Ger) is on the victory board and White Robe Lodge is expecting his progeny to continue to build winning momentum as the season rolls on.
Sires With Winners - Monday October 20
Here is the full list of 21 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.