The James Cummings-trained Zebra Finch has put himself in contention for a potential crack at the Group 1 J.J. Atkins in Brisbane with a narrow victory at Rosehill.
Connections of the Godolphin-owned two-year-old colt opted to apply blinkers to Zebra Finch for Saturday’s Schweppes Handicap (1300m) after he had finished fourth at Warwick Farm and third in the Clarendon Stakes at Hawkesbury in his first two starts.
With Kerrin Mcevoy aboard, Zebra Finch began well and settled just off Victorian visitor Zoutanium in Saturday’s race on a heavy-rated track before moving up approaching the home turn to apply some pressure.
Zebra Finch ($4) was able to just get the better of the Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained Zoutanium ($14) in the run to the finish line to score by a half neck, while $2.90 wagering sites favourite Hidden Achievement was doing his best work late to finish another half-head away third under top weight of 58.5kg.
McEvoy believes Zebra Finch deserves a shot at the J.J. Atkins (1600m) for two-year-olds at Eagle Farm in two weeks off the back of Saturday’s performance.
“It was nice to see him switch on and get that forward spot, and he’s a colt on the improve,” McEvoy said.
“It wasn’t a big winning margin but I’m sure with a better quality horse to aim at he’s going to go again and be better again.
“If he pulls up well I’d send him up there, because he rides like he’s going to get a mile.
“They made the call to put blinkers on, which has been a good call by all of us and he’s on the improve.”
Zebra Finch firmed from $51 to $26 in a market for the J.J. Atkins immediately after Saturday’s win and Cummings’ stable representative Paul Reid said that race has been on the radar for the colt.
“That’s on the cards, for sure,” Reid said.
“We just wanted to see him run well today. If he pulls up well, the team will work out where he goes.
“That was in the back of our mind coming into today.
“I know there’s a few others there aiming that way, too, but it was in the back of our mind.”
Reid said Zebra Finch appeared to concentrate better in Saturday’s race with the blinkers on.
“He definitely showed a bit of improvement with the blinkers where he could take a forward spot, which helped him in the run today with no pace on,” Reid said.
“I’m sure he’ll be better ridden a bit quieter, but just for today it worked out perfectly.”
