Melbourne Cup Carnival star Mark Zahra made it win number seven for the week when he partnered the favourite Sabaj to a strong victory in the second event on Champions Day at Flemington.
There was plenty to like about the lightly raced four-year-old’s performance, particularly the way he handled a rain-affected surface at his first attempt and overcame a weight disadvantage against his key rivals.
Sabaj carried 59.5kg from barrier 13, while runner-up He’ll Rip had 56kg and third-placed Mary Eliza just 54kg.
Despite being well supported in betting, Sabaj was made to earn the win. He settled near the rear, was forced to sustain a long run in the heavy going, and surged late to score second-up stepping to 1600m.
“They were worried about the wet track, but I just got a great wet-weather run,” Zahra said.
“Second-up at the mile, he really had to dig in that last furlong. It was tough going down the straight with the wind and rain, but he picked up well. It was a very good effort.”
Co-trainer Michael Kent Jnr admitted there was pressure heading into the race.
“There was a lot of expectation,” Kent said.
“We scratched him on Tuesday because of a soft track and now end up on almost a heavy track today. But he’s a good horse and we were confident this grade was right for him.”
