Zabene peaks in time for Cup

7th Nov 2011

A case of third time lucky is looming for the in-form stayer Zabene (NZ) (Zabeel) who heads to next weekend’s Group Three New Zealand Cup at the peak of his powers

The eight-year-old has been placed in the last two editions of the 3200 metre feature and at Riccarton on Saturday he produced the ideal final trial with victory in the Listed Metropolitan Trophy, a race he had finished runner-up to My Scotsgrey (NZ) (Golan) in 2009.

The quest for that elusive cup success may, however, be dictated by the weather as Matamata trainer Jason Bridgman said the gelding required firm underfoot conditions.

“He’s come up super and we’ve had a bit of luck in getting the good tracks which is key to him – he’s a very happy and relaxed horse.”

Zabene (NZ) was making the fifth appearance of his current campaign and had weighed in each outing with an 1800 metres success on the track to his credit last month.

“This horse had a very good spell this winter and he’s come back in terrific order which is a credit to all the team.” Bridgman said.

Zabene (NZ) capitalised on a saloon passage close to the pace and was too strong in the run home to score by a length.

“In these staying races you’ve got to have a willing and strong partner,” Bridgman said.

He was referring to rider Matthew Cameron who is currently a clear leader in the race for the jockeys’ premiership.

“He’s absolutely thriving and looks brilliant and after the post he was going quicker than he was down the straight,” Cameron said.

A brother to Little Avondale Stud stallion Zed (NZ), Zabene (NZ) boasts a Group One pedigree as the third winner for the Danehill (Danzig) mare Emerald Dream who won the Waikato International Stakes and is a three-quarter sister to the brothers and successful stallions Commands and Danewin.

Runner-up to Zabene (NZ) on Saturday was a brave Mystique (NZ) (Montjeu) with the lightweight Fast Love (NZ) (Fastnet Rock) third ahead. Last year’s Metropolitan winner Blood Brotha (NZ) (Danzighill) showed he was also on track for the cup when he came form the tail-end of the field for fourth.