Zoustar has a lot to learn about his trade but the unbeaten colt instantly won over jockey Hugh Bowman with a gritty win at Hawkesbury on Saturday.
“He’s still very new and raw as well as being a little bit colty and he’s not totally switched on at the moment,” Bowman said.
Zoustar - Photo by Steve Hart
“But certainly, he’s an exciting prospect.”
Making it two wins from as many starts, Zoustar made the running as favourite in the $100,000 Evergreen Turf Handicap (1300m) and lifted strongly when Divine Calling tried to level up at the 200m.
In an example of Zoustar ($2.40) confirming the potential trainer Chris Waller always thought was there, as well as Bowman timing his finishing effort, Zoustar kicked away late from second-placed Divine Calling ($4.20) to win by a length.
Recent Scone winner Chosen Idol ($6) finished three lengths third, ensuring the race where four of the six runners had already shed their maiden tags, should stand up as a form reference.
Out of respect for his opposition, Bowman said it was his intention to wait for as long as possible before asking Zoustar to extend.
“I must admit when he hit top gear he surprised me with how good he felt,” Bowman said.
Zoustar is entered for the J J Atkins (1600m), the final Australian Group One race for two-year-olds of the season run at Eagle Farm on June 8, and Bowman said a rise in class and distance wouldn’t be an issue.
Asked about a graduation to stakes company, Bowman said: “He’s up to it. Whether Chris wants to go to Brisbane or not is up to him.”
Well-fancied Paximadia finished fourth after missing the start, adding to a roller-coaster start to the meeting for Darley Australia.
Darley won the opening race with Petrify ($8.50) with the well-backed stablemate and favourite Chiaroscuro ($2.90) finishing fourth.
