Classy colt Zoustar has been included in the second acceptances for the 2013 Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) despite trainer Chris Waller indicating that the Golden Rose winner was unlikely to contest the $1 million event.
Zoustar remains an outside chance to contest the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas. Photo by: Daniel Costello
Zoustar is set to return to the races in the the Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick on October before heading to Melbourne for the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on Victoria Derby Day.
Last week Waller told Sky Racing HQ that Zoustar was only a five percent chance to take part in the Caulfield Guineas and racing manager Liam Prior confirmed that today but said the stable was still keeping their options open.
“We didn’t want to rule it out completely,” Prior told Racing Victoria.
“The plan is to run in the Coolmore, but thought that taking him out of acceptances today was a touch premature.
“It’s most likely he’ll run in Sydney next Saturday in the Roman Consul and then in the Coolmore.”
Zoustar was one of 46 horses that remain in the hunt to participate in the Caulfield Guineas that will be run at the home of the Melbourne Racing Club on October 12.
The form coming out of the Golden Rose is set to be the key guide to the Caulfield Guineas, with up to six horses a chance to back up from the race.
Runner-up Dissident was included in the nominations, despite his disappointing performance in the Group 1 George Main Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday, while beaten Golden Rose favourites Prince Harada and Fast ‘N’ Rocking remain on track to contest the stallion-making race.
Undefeated Kiwi galloper El Roca will make his Australian racing debut in the Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday and trainer Trent Busuttin is keen to see how the son of Fastnet Rock colt goes against top-quality opposition before committing to a tilt at the Caulfield Guineas.
Several leading Caulfield Guineas contenders will contest the Prelude this weekend including Darley colt Long John, Peter Moody-trained Weinholt and Danehill Stakes winner Charlie Boy – who has also been included in the nominations for the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m).
Long John ($4.20) is the current favourite in 2013 Caulfield Guineas betting markets followed by Dissident ($6.50) and Prince Harada ($7.50).
