3 minute read

Annabel Neasham is keen to keep high-class stablemates Zaaki and Mo’unga apart.

Still flushed from a trifecta of Group 1 wins during the spring, Annabel Neasham is already turning her thoughts to the next chapter as she mulls autumn plans for Zaaki and Mo'Unga. 

The pair have provided all five of the young trainer's elite-level victories, Mo'unga in the Rosehill Guineas and Winx Stakes, and Zaaki the Doomben Cup, Underwood and Mackinnon Stakes. 

Both mile to middle-distance horses, Zaaki has beaten Mo'unga home the two times they have met, finishing sixth to Mo'unga's tenth in the Doncaster Mile and relegating his stablemate to third in the Mackinnon. 

They are currently in the paddock having well-earned spells and while Neasham is yet to cement autumn plans for the pair, she says she intends to keep them on separate paths as much as possible. 

The All-Star Mile is one race that could potentially suit both horses, but Neasham says Zaaki is the more likely candidate for the rich race. 

"Probably more Zaaki for the All-Star Mile. It's at Flemington so it would suit them both, but we will probably keep them separate," Neasham said. 

"They're still in the paddock enjoying a bit of a holiday. I am going to go up and have a look at them next week. 

"They will be back for the autumn but I haven't finalised their plans yet." 

Neasham was in the winner's stall at Rosehill on Saturday with two-year-old Lady Laguna, who maintained her perfect record after scoring on debut at Eagle Farm earlier in the month. 

The filly thumped her Rosehill rivals by four lengths and while Neasham wasn't getting carried away given the heavy 10 surface, she was optimistic Lady Laguna could measure up to some loftier assignments next campaign. 

"We will see what form comes out of this but the way she won, you've got to say she is above average," she said.