ZAAKI SUFFERS SHOCK DEFEAT IN G1

Zaaki defeated in Might and Power Stakes

The race was supposed to be a steady tune up for the dual Group 1 winner but at an incredible $1.26 starting price, the Annabel Neasham trained runner was defeated for the first time since he tasted success in the Hollindale in May.

There were only 5 runners in the race and it seemed like it would be a straight forward afternoon for the import but in a slowly run race, where leader No Effort decided to cruise around in front, the sit and sprint challenge left too much to do too late. 

Concerns began to creep in around the 600 metre mark as Homesman looked to set off in search of the finish line with Zaaki offering nothing to deal with the unfolding situation. 

It would be Kiwi mare Probabeel who would show the best turn of foot down the straight with the fast finishing Nonconformist making a thrilling finale while Zaaki struggled to make headway in third. 

The result for Probabeel further demonstrated her lover for Caulfield having now won four from 5 starts at the Melbourne track.

Zaaki remains clear favourite for the Group 1 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley later this month, however his price has started to drift with it moving from $1.80 out to $2.50.

Know that the race probably wasn’t run to suit Zaaki, jockey Craig Williams was bullish in defeat saying “We didn’t win this battle but the war isn’t over”.

More News