Stakes Double for Zoustar

Zoustar had a  great day on Saturday with Sunlight’s little sister Sisstar claiming another Black Type win in the Listed MRC Bel Esprit Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield, while in Brisbane blue-blooded mare Zaniah scored a valuable win in the Listed BRC Ascot Handicap (1000m).

A five year-old mare trained by Kris Lees, Zaniah had been Group III placed twice previously and broke through with a fast finishing half length win.

Zaniah charged home from last to first taking her overall record to four wins from 17 starts earning over $220,000.

A $1million Inglis Easter purchase for Bruce Perry Bloodstock from the Edinglassie Stud draft, Zaniah runs for well known Kiwi owner Lib Petagna and is a half-sister to Group I winner Shooting to Win and Group II winner Deep Field, both now successful sires.

She is the third stakes-winner for blue hen Listen Here, who made $3.4million at the 2016 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale when bought by China Horse Club/Bruce Perry Bloodstock.

The current yearling from Listen Here is a filly by I Am Invincible that was passed in at Inglis Easter and then later sold for $1,050,000.

Zaniah is 22nd stakes-winner for Zoustar, who also sired Sisstar to win the Listed MRC Bel Esprit Stakes at Caulfield.

The Tony and Calvin McEvoy trained four year-old led all the way to win by a length under William Pike taking her overall to six wins from 15 starts with prizemoney topping $560,000.

“That was fantastic. She’s a very quick filly. She’s won over 955 (metres) but she’s versatile and she can run a strong 1100 metres and I think she can run out 1200 as well,” said co-trainer Calvin McEvoy.

“We wanted to come back here and get a bit more black type if we could and I think she’s earnt a chance at the Sangster now.

“She’s a multiple stakes winner now so a Group I win or placing is what we need to chase now. She’s stepped out of the shadows of her big sister and she’s been a tremendous filly and mare for her connections as well.”

A $600,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Widden Stud draft for McEvoy Mitchell Racing/David Redvers Bstock, Sisstar runs for a syndicate that includes many of the same owners involved in Sunlight.

Bred by Widden Stud in partnership, Sisstar is a full sister to Sunlight and to this season’s stakes–placed 2YO Dio being one of five winners from Group III winner Solar Charged.

Solar Charged has no yearling for the sales this year, but produced a colt by Zoustar last spring and is back in foal to him again.