Zoustar Mare Wins Christmas Classic

Winner of the Group III ATC The Nivison at Randwick on October 26, Madam Rouge blotted her copybook when last at her most recent start in the Group II ATC Hot Danish Stakes at Rosehill where she never saw daylight, but the daughter of Zoustar was back at the top of her game in Saturday’s Listed ATC Christmas Classic at Randwick.

After being caught three wide the trip under Kathy O’Hara, Madam Rouge found the front 250 metres out and was strong to the line to win by a length and a quarter.

“She had an awkward draw and we didn’t want to go too far forward so I said to Kathy if you get caught three-wide don’t panic,” winning trainer Chris Waller said.

“She cruised up the rise and it was good to see her put them away like she did.

“If you go back through her form this prep, even her last start in the Hot Danish she was tragically unlucky, but she has been a different horse all prep. I think she has got a good race in her and she will get to the Magic Millions in a couple of weeks and she will no doubt get her chance in the autumn as well.”

A $310,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Widden Stud draft for Waller Racing/ Mulcaster Bloodstock, Madam Rouge advances her record to four wins and four placings from 16 starts with earnings of $409,965.

Madam Rouge is the best of two winners from stakes-winning Al Maher mare Cabernet, a daughter of stakes-winner Golden Weekend.

Aside from Madam Rouge, Zoustar had a further three metro winners on Saturday and has 32 yearlings entered for MM Gold Coast, 5 at the Inglis Classic and 27 at the Inglis Premier.