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Macroura returns to winning ways and takes out Typhoon Tracy Stakes on Friday night

Macroura (3 f ex Zenaida by Zabeel) returned to winning ways on Friday night when she took out the Typhoon Tracy Stakes (Gr 3, 1200m) at Moonee Valley and in doing so became the 64th Group winner for Arrowfield Stud’s Snitzel (Redoute’s Choice). 

Winner of the Woodlands Stakes (Listed, 1100m) last May, the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained filly had placed third in her three prior starts this season. On Friday, under Jamie Kah, Macroura settled down in second with Rainbiel (Toronado) leading the field. Rounding the home turn, Macroura started to make her move and fought on well in the straight to take the lead in the closing stages. She scored by a neck over long-time leader Rainbiel with Supreme Idea (I Am Invincible) ran on well to finish a close third. 

“It looked like we were going to be stuck wide early,” Kah told Racing.com.

“I didn’t really want to push mine and dig her out of her comfort zone but she got a bit stirred up when that leader crossed and it got a bit messy for a few strides.

“She picked herself up, she was tough, she was at her top a long way out but she just kept digging in.

“She’s probably not as classy as a few that I’ve ridden but she’s got a big heart and she’ll go a long way just off that.”

Bred by Aquis Farm who remain in her ownership, Macroura is the first foal and only winner out of Zenaida (Zabeel) who is herself a half-sister to three-time Group 1 winner Vosne Romanee (Electronic Zone). Further back this is the family of 1996 Waikato Sprint (Gr 1, 1400m) winner Allegro (Red Tempo). 

Zenaida has an unraced colt called Noble Exception (Exceed And Excel) who is now in training with Nick Olive, having sold for $380,000 at last year’s Inglis Easter Yearling Sale. She has a yearling filly by Invader (Snitzel) and after missing to Invader the following year, she was covered by Dubious (Not A Single Doubt) last September. 

Macroura is one of five stakes winners by Snitzel out of a Zabeel (Sir Tristram) mare, the others being Time For War (Gr 2 winner), Perast (Gr 3 winner), Lubiton (Gr 3 winner) and Bavella (Listed winner).