Once destined for a hurdle career, former French galloper Zimbali is set to make his mark on the flat in Brisbane.
Zimbali is one of five stayers on a winter carnival path in the Titan Sheds Handicap at Doomben on Saturday.
The gelding did his early racing in France where he won one race over 2400m and was placed five times.
He was bought by a group headed by prominent Queensland owner Darren Wilson and sent to Melbourne’s Peter Moody who had the gelding earmarked for a jumps career.
However, he surprised Moody and connections when he won his first Australian start at Sandown over 1600m.
Zimbali had four more starts in Melbourne including a third at Moonee Valley before Wilson decided to send him to Kelly Schweida at Eagle Farm.
He had his first Brisbane start when a handy sixth to Heart Of A Warrior at Doomben two weeks ago.
Schweida said he had been pleased with Zimbali’s effort and while he wasn’t getting carried away, he hoped the gelding would pay his way.
“He has only won two races and I think he will find them a bit slick on Saturday. But we will gradually step him up in distance and see how we go from there,” Schweida said.
