A tough win at Sandown from Redasun has the filly’s connections aiming at the Group One Australasian Oaks with extra confidence.
Mark Zahra was a beneficiary of the resheduled feature meeting at Randwick on Monday, picking up the winning ride on the Greg Eurell-trained Redasun in the Selangor Turf Club Handicap (1600m).
With seven senior Melbourne jockeys allowed the relinquish their Sandown rides to keep their Sydney engagements, Zahra replaced Damien Oliver on Redasun.
He was impressed with the way the three-year-old fought hard to win by a half-head after a three-wide run.
Eurell’s assistant Jim Mason said the trainer was keen to target the Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville on May 2.
“On that run today, she’s obviously got the stamina so she’s got to be a live hope,” Mason said.
The Group Three Schweppervescence Stakes (1800m) on April 18 in Adelaide will be Redasun’s next start.
“I think when you go to those sort of carnivals, winning form is everything. You’ve got to have the horse on the up and that seems to be her,” Mason said.
On a day when being on-speed and near the rail had been an advantage, Redasun ($5) made a sustained run from midfield and fought on to defeat Distant Rock ($26) by a half head with a half neck to Master Of Arts ($10) third.
Brad Rawiller earlier picked up the ride on three-year-old filly Mrs President who kicked away after leading to win the Mistable Handicap (1200m) by three lengths.
Mrs President, in her fourth start, backed up a Yarra Valley maiden win and co-trainer Simon Zahra believes it is a sign of better things to come.
“We’ve been pretty patient with her and today we’ve probably seen a glimpse at what hopefully she can show us in the future,” Zahra said.
“We were hoping to get her to the races 12 months ago and she just started getting back problems.
“We put her in the paddock, patience is a virtue, and you saw today what a nice filly she’s going to be.”
