Not a lot can come between Mark Zahra and Ibiza at this time of year but a ride at Royal Ascot will see him delay his holidays slightly and take part in one of racing’s biggest stages opn Tuesday.
Zahra set off for England from Brisbane on Saturday night after riding at Eagle Farm and despite going winless, the 35-time group one winner has a spring in his step for one ride this week and then break begins.
Zahra will ride Docklands in the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes (1600m) after steering the OTI-owned five-year-old entire at Sha Tin in December where they finished 12th in the Group 1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m).
Zahra competed in the Shergar Cup series at Ascot in 2019 with one winner but makes his Royal debut this week.
“I’m happy with having the one ride – day one, race one then my holidays start,” Zahra said.
“I love Europe in the summer and I’ve actually been to Royal Ascot in the public to have fun.
“I’ve had a couple of opportunities but, to be honest, I’ve always been in Ibiza at the start of it so this time I planned it to go and take part in the race thanks to Harry Eustace and Terry Henderson.
“It gives me the opportunity to be there and ride in a group one. Then Ibiza will be after.”
Since then, Docklands has placed twice in as many outings with the latest a third placing in the Group 3 Diomed Stakes (1712m) at Epsom on June 7.
“This is a very good race,” he added of the Queen Anne.
“It is a good horses race and I think he is going as good as he ever has with both runs coming in being really good.
“I spoke to Harry and Terry and they’ve sent me videos and he looks fantastic. I think he’s had five runs at Ascot and never been further back than third.
“That is his track and he ran second in the race last year.”
The challenge of a straight mile course presents a different element for Zahra.
“I’ve never ridden a straight mile which is different for an Australian jockey,” Zahra said.
“It’ll be different, but it is a big beautiful track.”
Docklands is rated a $15 chance with online betting sites for the Queen Anne with 2024 Group 1 St James’s Palace Stakes (1600m) winner Rosallion the $3 favourite.
