Cummings Pleased with Queensland Oaks Hopeful Zarzali

Co-trainer James Cummings has been thrilled with the results posted by Zarzali this time in and is confident she is in the right form for success in Saturday’s featured Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m), should she gain a berth.

Tommy Berry will take the ride on Zarzali in the 2015 Queensland Oaks. Photo: Taron Clarke

Tommy Berry will take the ride on Zarzali in the 2015 Queensland Oaks. Photo: Taron Clarke

Having made a competitive transition to black type racing in running a credible fifth in the Group 3 Adrian Knox (2000m) on April 6th, Zarzali placed seventh in the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) before returning to competitive form in boxing on for third behind leading Queensland Oaks fancies Ballet Suite and Bohemian Lily in the Listed Princess Stakes (2000m) on May 9th.

While surprised by the talent-rich field pending for the 2015 Queensland Oaks, Cummings told the Sydney Morning Herald he believes the daughter of Hussonet is primed for a competitive performance and is confident she will relish a step back up to 2200m.

“I didn’t think it would be this close,” Cummings said.

“She is a good staying filly, which we think has a sense of timing about her. She has form around Ballet Suite and the Roses winner [Bohemian Lily] from last start and she is still improving.

“She has got some black type already from the trip, which is important for fillies, and I think she is ready to run a great race.

“We just need to get in. I’m sure she will run the trip as she is already a 2400m winner.”

Leading hoop Hugh Bowman gave a glowing report of the three-year-old following her performance for third in the Princess Stakes and his hopefully Tommy Berry will deliver a similarly-polished ride in the Oaks.

“Hugh got off her and said it was the perfect run for the Oaks after she made a lot of ground late and was strong to the line,” he said.

“Unfortunately, he has been booked for Winx, which will be the favourite, but we have been able to get Tommy Berry to ride her.”

Debuting to racing in January this year, Zarzali ran third in a Scone Maiden over 1600m) and posted consecutive wins in the Minco Tech Maiden (1850m) and a Kembla Grange stayers race over 2400m leading into the Adrian Knox Stakes.

Ladbrokes is currently offering Zarzali at 2015 Queensland Oaks odds of $13 for success; sharing the sixth line of betting with New Zealand Group 1 winner Platinum Witness.

About The Author

Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.