Short-priced favourite Zougotcha got the job done in the Group II Chandon Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill and earned a shot at the Doncaster Mile.
The decision to bypass the Coolmore Classic paid off for the daughter of Zoustar as James McDonald guided the Chris Waller-trained filly to a length win over the game Rubick gelding Glint Of Silver with the Snitzel gelding Brosnan one and a quarter lengths back in third.
The Group 1 Flight Stakes heroine advances her record to five wins and a second from eight starts with earnings of $949,250.
“It was almost disappointing to scratch her from the Coolmore, but through that experience of having confidence-building races with the horses like Winx it’s an important stepping stone,” Waller revealed.
“Three-year-old fillies, they’re fragile. They are not just a horse you can send to the races and just expect to perform at that elite level. They like a bit of a cuddle and a bit of a pat on the back, and she got that today.
“Next step is something bigger which will probably be the Doncaster. That’ll be another mountain to climb.
“She had an awkward draw to overcome first-up (in the Surround Stakes) and had to do a bit of work early, got a bit keen, just little things wrong but only beaten a narrow margin. Today will get her back on track. Even today you could see she sweated up a little bit at the start, a little bit keen, but that’ll take it out of her and she’ll be ready to go in three weeks.”
A $500,000 Inglis Easter purchase for Chris Waller Racing / Mulcaster Bloodstock from the Widden Stud draft, Zougotcha runs for a syndicate of stable clients with her breeders Widden Stud and Robert Anderson retaining an interest.
She is a sister to stakes-winner Persuader and half-sister to stakes-winner The Actuary from stakes-placed Fast Talker, a half-sister by Fastnet Rock to stakes-winner Crystal Dreamer.
A $280,000 purchase for Vin Cox Bloodstock at the 2011 Inglis Australian Easter Broodmare Sale Fast Talker comes from the family of Golden Slipper winner Crystal Lily.
Fast Talker foaled a Written Tycoon colt last spring and revisited Zoustar.
