Trainer Grahame Begg remains confident Zakouma can earn a place in the Melbourne Cup despite his unplaced effort at Flemington last weekend.
Speaking to Racing.com, Begg said the gelding had come through the run in excellent condition and would now be aimed at the Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes (2800m) on May 16, which offers the winner ballot exemption into the 2026 Melbourne Cup.
Zakouma had entered the race on the back of three consecutive wins, each by margins greater than 2.5 lengths, and was sent out a $2.05 favourite when stepping up to BM100 grade.
However, the race did not unfold favourably, with the gelding struggling to secure clear running in the straight.
‘’He didn’t have a lot of luck in the race,’’ Begg said. ‘’He went back and sat second last on the inside of runners and got dictated to for the whole race and it was only in the last 250 metres that he got out and he hit the line well.
‘’We’ve put it down to last start nearly being a barrier trial but anyway, he’s come through the race well and looks in outstanding order.
‘’He’ll go to the Andrew Ramsden for his next start and he’ll be well suited.’’
Meanwhile, Begg is preparing a number of key runners for the Queensland carnival, with Splash Back set to contest the Group 2 Victory Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm this Saturday.
The following week, stable star She’s A Hustler is scheduled to clash with dual Cups winner Half Yours in the Group 2 Hollindale Stakes (1800m) on the Gold Coast.
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