Pia Miller with Thursdya's Crown Oaks contender Zanbagh, at Flemington stables. FOR THURSDAY'S PAPERS. Source: News Limited
FROM a Canberra maiden loss to Group 1 glory at famous Flemington - this is the unlikely path that Zanbagh could complete today.
When Zanbagh was getting beaten in lowly maiden races, her trainer Guy Walter kept the faith, believing she could develop into a legitimate contender for the $1 million Victoria Oaks (2500m).
It is a measure of Walter's horsemanship skills that he has been able to recognise Zanbagh's potential and turn that into performance in time for the Oaks.
Remarkably, Zanbagh will line up as one of the favourites for the three-year-old fillies classic so rapidly has she developed since being beaten at Canberra seven weeks ago.
Pia Miller and Crown Oaks contender Zanbagh, at Flemington. Picture: Michael Coppel Source: News Limited
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"She got home very well that day, made up a lot of ground late, and I felt then it was worth persevering to the Oaks,'' Walter said.
"Actually, the Oaks has been in the back of our minds for a while now.
"She was strong enough to race at two and she showed enough speed to suggest she might be useful.
"This is obviously a big step up in grade for her and she is probably under the odds but she is an improving filly.''
Zanbagh followed her Canberra loss with successive wins at Ballarat, the latest against older mares when she romped home by five lengths, and she is at $4.60 second favouritism for today's big race.
Kirramosa, impressive winner of the Wakeful Stakes on Derby Day, is at the top of betting at $3.40.
Tommy Berry rides Kirramosa to victory in the Wakeful Stakes at Flemington. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Limited
Walter believes Zanbagh's form surge has coincided with the increase in race distances at her last two runs.
Zanbagh is extremely well bred by boom sire Bernadini out of the trainer's 2004 ATC (then AJC) Australian Oaks winner Wild Iris and is raced by her breeder, Sandy Tait.
"She is lightly raced and I think improvement she has shown in her last couple of runs is because she is going up in distance,'' Walter said.
"We hope the extra distance of the Oaks and the step up to 2500m plays in our favour, too.
"You never know until we try them over further but this filly does give me the impression she will run the distance.
"She has to improve again but I'm very happy with her and she is a live chance for sure.''
Toydini, ridden by Blake Shinn in the blue silks, wins the Crystal Mile. Source: News Limited
Walter is also happy with the progress of last start Crystal Mile winner Toydini into the Group 1 $1 million Emirates Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday.
"Toydini is a very exciting young horse,'' Walter said.
"He's also by Bernadini, the same sire of Zanbagh and (Emirates rival) Boban, and since he has been gelded, his record has been amazing.
"Boban is going to be hard to beat but I can't have Toydini going any better into the Emirates. It will be a very good race.''
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