Zoustar Pleases in Randwick Trial

For the first time carrying the colours of Sheikh Fahad’s Qatar Bloodstock, exciting colt Zoustar was given his first pipe opener of the year at Randwick on Tuesday morning.

The Chris Waller trained son of Northern Meteor was given a soft trial, ambling along at the back of the field and then surging home late under a tight hold for fourth to Tiger Tees with regular rider Jim Cassidy delighted by the performance.

“That’s the first time I’ve been on him and he feels magnificent, nice and strong,” he told Racenet.

“He’s getting pretty professional now. When he gets to the furlong, he knows he’s got to flatten out.”

Trainer Chris Waller plans to kick Zoustar’s campaign off in the Group I Canterbury Stakes (1300m) at Randwick on March 15 before dropping back to 1200 metres in the Group I T J Smith Stakes on April 12.

The Canterbury Stakes will be the first time the three-year-old has raced outside his own age group, but Cassidy is confident Zoustar will handle whatever is thrown him.

“They’ve always got to improve and he’s got to go to that next level now but he’s pretty laid back and is really starting to mature,” he said.

“He relaxes early and just goes through his gears. That’s what the good horses do.

“Not long after the line (on Tuesday) he was starting to really warm up. It’s pretty exciting.”

Royal Ascot is the ultimate goal this year for Zoustar, who is set to retire to Widden Stud.