Damien Oliver landed his 50th metropolitan win for the season when he combined with Godolphin filly Zapateo at The Valley.
In taking out the Plant Powered Cleaning Handicap (1000m) on Saturday, Zapateo registered her second win from three starts and importantly added a city win to her record.
How far Zapateo can progress into the spring Oliver is unsure, but he believes the filly has immense talent.
Sitting back in the field, Zapateo ($10) swept up rounding the turn to overhaul Her Empire ($41) and score by a long neck with the $3.10 Sportsbet favourite Sweet Mary three-quarters-of-a-length away third.
Oliver partnered Zapateo to win at Geelong on debut before the Brazen Beau filly finished second at Caulfield on July 10.
“I did think she would just win last start and she didn’t really have an excuse there,” Oliver said.
“Today, if I did learn anything, it was to be a little more patient on her and she won well.
“It was her third run today and there might be one more left in her.
“I would suggest either nurse her through to one more or a little breather now and come back later in the spring so I’ll see what James thinks.”
Sean Keogh, the Melbourne representative of Goldolphin and the James Cummings stable in Melbourne, said Saturday’s victory was a good way to bookend the two-year-old races in Victoria.
“Real credit to guys on the farm,” Keogh said.
“We started out the season in good form with the Darley stallions that are based here in Victoria with Frosted kicking off early and then we see the two-year-olds at the back end of the year by Brazen Beau doing well.”
“After her first two starts she had the experience and the conditioning to put herself in a winning position today and Damien Oliver gave her a fabulous ride.”
