7 WINS - 48 HOURS: Zanardi Zippy on Debut

Franking his trial form, Zanardi (2 c Spirit Of Boom – Pazienza, by Written Tycoon) recorded a strong debut victory in the $65,000 Buzz Electrics 2YO 800 metres on Saturday at Hastings.

Given only one trial by trainers Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson, when beginning smartly and drawing out over the concluding stages for a stylish trial win on 11 August at Avondale, Zanardi was a hot commodity to commence in similar fashion and the big, strong, colt got the job done with aplomb.

Although not the sharpest into stride for jockey Michael McNab, Zanardi was able to muster near the rail to contest a competitive pace, before asserting his superiority inside the 200m.

“He’d only had one trial and a little bit fidgety in the gates, came out a bit slow and it wasn't all smooth sailing, but he’s got good ability,” McNab said.

“I was quietly confident. He’s a beautiful horse and ever since I first hopped on him, I thought he’s a stunning colt. 

“Beautifully prepared by the boys, he’s a horse we can look forward to for the rest of the season.”

On Soft6 footing, Zanardi ran 800 metres in 47.0 and paid $2.10 & $1.10 on the NZ TAB tote.

With prize money in the bank, connections can now bide their time with Zanardi, given a target of contesting the $1 million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) on Saturday 23 January at Ellerslie, with eligibility for horses sold at Karaka, and Order of Entry to the field of 14 by way of prize money.

“It was a really good win,” Walker said. “He’s obviously still a bit green, but came in on the back of only one trial. 

“Once Michael (McNab) got him balanced around the corner he extended very nicely and he’s got a beautiful action on him.

“It’s all systems go, now, and we’ll plot a path towards the Karaka Millions. He can have a short break and he’ll only improve with today’s experience.

“He was bought off Cambridge Stud, who have retained a share in him, and we’re quite excited about his future.”

On course, Bergerson suggested that following a spell, Zanardi may look to a race on Boxing Day at Ellerslie, or the $225,000 Group 2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m) there on 1 January, before attempting to provide Te Akau with its ninth victory in the Karaka Millions 2YO.

Owned by the Te Akau Title Holder Racing Partnership (Mgr: Lady Karyn Ellis MNZM), Zanardi was bought by Sir David Ellis for $280,000, from the draft of Cambridge Stud, in January this year at the Karaka Book 1 Sale.

By four-time Champion Sire Spirit Of Boom (Sequalo), Zanardi is out of Pazienza, a filly trained by Te Akau for Cambridge Stud owners Sir Brendan and Lady Jo Lindsay. An impressive debut winning two-year-old, Pazienza was a precocious filly with plenty of speed and natural strength.

Pazienza, a half-sister to stakes' performed winner Folk Dress (Pierro), is by Champion Sire and sire of sires Written Tycoon (Iglesia), who is beginning to establish himself as a broodmare sire. 

While an emerging family, through the impressive attributes displayed by Pazienza, it is also the family of Champion Older Male Miler in Ireland, Buckaroo (Fastnet Rock), and other Group winners from the directly descending dams. 

At the time of purchase, Sir David said: “He’s a really good-bodied colt with plenty of strength, and a classic example of the mating between Spirit of Boom and Pazienza.  

“We trained the mother for Cambridge Stud, she was a very fast filly, so we have a good understanding of how good she was and she’s produced a top quality second foal. 

“We first saw this colt in December last year and since then he’s continued to develop and strengthen remarkably, which is a great sign for an early two-year-old type.

“He’s a beautiful colt and a natural two-year-old.”

Zanardi has a clean page, without any bloodline crosses through the first five removes, the same as 10-time Champion Sire Savabeel (Zabeel). 

Zanardi was strapped by Reece Trumper. 

Photo credit - Kenton Wright - www.raceimages.co.nz