Zydeco Blooming In The Spring

Saturday, 03 November 2012 02:33

ZydecoAnthony Freedman has some experience of the VRC Crown Oaks having been intimately involved with previous winners Kensington Palace and Serenade Rose, both trained by his brother Lee.

So he is quietly confident that his Zabeel filly Zydeco has a strong chance in this year's Oaks after her strong win in today's Wakeful Stakes at Flemington.

Ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, stable jockey for Zydeco's owners Darley Australia, she raced like a typical stayer, sitting back second last in the twelve horse field and then chiming in with a powerful finishing burst.

Zydeco ($2.60-$3.10F) won convincingly by two lengths from long shot maiden Maraatib ($81-$101), with a short head to third placed Transonic ($18-$19-$17).

"She just got back from the barrier but they ran along a bit up the back which really suited me and she got into a nice rhythm", McEvoy said.

Zydeco"They steadied a bit and she grabbed the bridle a bit along the back but she quickened away."

Freedman who has "20 to 25" horses in work for Darley, was unsurprised by the win.

"I think she is very good so it didn't surprise me but you still like to see it."

"We left a little bit there to come out of today and hopefully that will happen."

Zydeco has an ideal Oaks pedigree being by Zabeel from the Group 1 Thousand Guineas winner All Time High, a mare owned by Darley.

McEvoy loves her racing style.

"She stays and she has got that turn of foot which is exactly what you need to cover them up when you are giving them a start like that."

A Bendigo maiden winner at her second start, before placing third in the Group 1 Thousand Guineas last time out, Zydeco is blooming at just the right time.

Zydeco"She came on very late in the Spring and she was thereabouts but we liked her", Freedman said.

"Her first run was solid, she went to a maiden and won that and she has just kept lifting each time and hopefully she can do it again."

Zydeco goes into Thursday's Crown Oaks a warm favourite at $2.30 after today's win.

Photos: Fiona Tomlin