Two Queensland veterans whose best days looked to be behind them triumphed on Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington.
After the 8yo Snitzel gelding Scallopini led at every call in the Listed Sofitel Stakes, the 7yo Baller toughed out a fourth stakes win in the Group II Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m).
A third winner on the day for Mark Zahra, the Tony Gollan-trained son of High Chaparral defeated the Group 1 VRC Newmarket Handicap winner Roch 'N' Horse (Per Incanto) by a short-half-head with the favourite Swats That (Shamus Award) a further three-quarter of a length back in third.
Zahra revealed that Gollan was not happy when Baller drew the inside barrier.
"Tony had a few choice words about the gate, and so did I because I've drawn inside in the first two (straight) races and just had no luck," Zahra said.
"He's an absolute gentleman of a horse. He gave me a beautiful ride, and I was in there a while while they were fixing the bridle on Veraskova. He just stood there quietly, which might have helped because I was just a fraction slow away, which was good because I could get some cover.
"Even though I was on the inside of them, I was on the back of Swats That, and I stayed there as long as possible. When I came out, Veranskova came with me, and I gave him a shake, and he gave a really good kick, a great kick."
Part owner Clive McKerr indicated the Gilgai (Stakes) and possibly the Darley (Champions Sprint), as possible options.
Purchased by Anthony Cummings for $160,000 out of the Baramul Stud draft at the 2017 Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Baller advances his record to eight wins, three seconds, and three thirds from 30 starts with earnings of $919,715.
He is the best of six winners from seven to race out of the Encosta De Lago mare Fuwa. A granddaughter of Group 1 AJC Champagne Stakes winner Isolda, Fuwa died in 2017.
