3 minute read

Racing and Sports provides two horses to watch coming out of midweek racing on October 27.

Canterbury

Race 3: Zarastro

One to keep an eye on from Wednesday's Canterbury meeting is Chris Waller-trained colt Zarastro.

Not seen at the races since December 2020, when running a game second to Group 3 Roman Consul winner Paulele, the son of I Am Invincible jumped a firm favourite ($2.70) in the third race of the day over 1100m.

Drawn the inside fence, the three-year-old was one of the last to leave the gates and raced keenly in the early stages.

Settling worse than midfield in a 2-3 wide position, jockey Glyn Schofield hooked his mount out approaching the 400m, in a bid to assert the pair into the race.

Taking a slight wobble around the bend, the colt finally got stuck into his work at the 200m and put pay to his rivals in a matter of strides.

The three-year-old edged away over the concluding stages, before being eased down over the line to win softly by just under a length.

Although the winning margin wasn't significant, the manner in which the colt was able to move through some of his gears once he knuckled down was ultra-impressive. To the eye, there appeared to be a fair bit left in the tank as he ambled past the winning-post.

Zarastro looks to be a promising type, and I want to be with him wherever he lines up next. Worth following.

Race 2: Twice As Special

Another one that caught the eye came a race earlier and is Jason Coyle-trained mare Twice As Special.

Returning after a four-month spell, this daughter of Testa Rossa didn't have too much go her way over the 1250m journey.

Jumping on terms, the five-year-old travelled wide throughout much of the running with very little cover.

Straightening just off the pace, the mare was pushed wider when passing the 300m, with a runner on her inside looking to edge out.

Given no favours in the run, the mare could be forgiven if she was to battle to the line without threatening.

Instead, she ran on gamely on the outside, taking steady ground off her rivals in a brave effort to finish a length away in fourth.

Had she received a better run in transit, there is no doubt that Twice As Special finishes closer, if not wins the contest.

With a bit of luck and the same gutsy determination, this mare will be extremely hard to hold off next time out in a similar grade. Stick with her, she will be winning sooner rather than later.