Chris Waller-trained Group 1 winners Boban and Zoustar both remain a chance to contest the Patinack Farm Classic (1200m) at Flemington on November 9 after being included in the first acceptances for the Group 1 event that were released by Racing Victoria this afternoon.
Zoustar was one of 35 sprinters included in the first acceptances for the Patinack Farm Classic. Photo by: Steve Hart
Zoustar and Boban have both been successful at the highest level of racing during the 2013 Spring Racing Carnival and will have the opportunity to add further Group 1 wins to their racing resumes during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Zoustar started his campaign with an unlucky fourth place finish in the Group 3 The Run To The Rose (1200m) before scoring a memorable win from the back of the field in the Group 1 Golden Rose Stakes at Rosehill Gardens and recording a dominant four and a half lengths victory in the Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick on October 5.
The Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on Victoria Derby Day is expected to be the next race start for the son of Northern Meteor and he remains an outside chance to make his open racing debut in the Patinack Farm Classic.
Boban has recorded four wins from four starts this preparation; winning the James McCall Retirement Handicap (1300m), Group 3 Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m), Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) and Group 3 Moonga Stakes (1400m).
The Bernardini gelding was most impressive in the Moonga Stakes and showed a remarkable turn-of-foot to record a memorable win after almost losing contact at the tail of the field during the run.
The Group 1 Emirates Stakes (1600m) was the major target for the four-year-old during the 2013 Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival but he is likely to be allocated the top weight of 58kg and Waller may instead opt to give him an opportunity at weight-for-age level in the Patinack Farm Classic.
Waller could have up to four runners in the Patinack Farm Classic; with Tristarc Stakes winner Red Tracer and progressive mare Arinosa, who will making her Group 1 debut in the Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Friday, also included in the first acceptances.
Group 1 winners Bel Sprinter, Epaulette, Lucky Nine, Moment Of Change, Platelet, Rebel Dane, Samaready and Shamexpress were also included in the first acceptances along with talented sprinters Buffering, Missy Longstocking, Sessions, Shamal Wind, Spirit Of Boom and Temple Of Boom.
