Eurozone will head to the spelling paddock a winner after scoring a classy victory in the Group 2 $250,000 Stan Fox Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill today.
Eurozone, black and white checks, yellow sleeves, fights hard to win the Stan Fox Stakes at Rosehill. Photo by Steve Hart.
The Bart and James Cummings trained three year old was able to regain his winning form after two unplaced efforts since taking out the Listed $100,000 The Rosebud (1200m) at Randwick on August 10.
Even though Eurozone finished out of the placings in the Group 1 $1m De Bortoli Wines Golden Rose Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill a fortnight ago, James Cummings was pleased with the run and expected the Northern Meteor colt to be at his best today.
“I think he vindicated what was a very good run in the Group 1 two weeks ago and to put it together a fortnight later is a very satisfying result for the owners Dato Tan Chin Nam and Dr Michael Alexeeff,” James Cummings said.
“He’ll go for a break now and he will come back a better colt in the Autumn we are hoping.”
“He’s done a great job for the stable this colt, and he can have a well earned rest now.”
Winning rider Hugh Bowman was able to slot Eurozone in behind the leading pair of favourite Aussies Love Sport and roughie Boudega Negra and get some cover from the strong head wind that was causing some problems from the 1200m to the home turn.
Tommy Berry had no choice but to take Aussies Love Sport straight to the front after beginning quickly and after facing the wind coming down the side of the track, was unable to hold off the strong finish of Eurozone and Criterion who also made a late run at the leaders.
“I anticipated to sit outside the leader but there was a nice bit of pace and I was able to get the drop and he has always raced better with cover,” Bowman said.
“I’ve ridden him a few times and today was his best performance.”
“Didn’t he fight. It is just a great thrill to ride a horse that fights like that.”
Eurozone was well supported in the betting ring to start at $3.30 with runner up Criterion at $3.80 while Aussies Love Sport, who battled on for third, started the $2.35 favourite.
