With Widden Stud's Antony Thompson in the ownership, it's a good bet that 6-year-old mare Zestful had plenty to offer on the track before retiring to the broodmare paddocks and so it proved with the daughter of Redoute's Choice earning a hard-fought victory in Saturday's Listed Razor Sharp Handicap at Randwick.
Winner of the Group III Triscay Stakes at Randwick back in February, Zestful held off the dogged favourite I Thought So (So You Think) to win by a short head with Kuro (Denman) two and three-quarter lengths back in third. (photo Steve Hart )
Trainer Kris Lees said the mare will likely follow a similar path to last year.
She will contest the Listed Nudgee Stakes (1200m) at Doomben on December 30 as the winner gains a wildcard to the $1 million Magic Millions Fillies and Mares race on January 13.
Zestful finished down the track in the Nudgee Stakes last year, bringing an end to her campaign.
"She's probably going better now, she's racing at a higher level now," Lees said.
Initially trained by Sam Kavanagh, Zestful advancer her record to 6 wins, 2 seconds and 2 thirds from 20 starts with earnings of $404,450.
Bred to Northern Hemisphere time, Zestful was a $90,000 Magic Millions National Sale purchase by part-owner Paul Frampton from the draft of Bellerive Stud.
A half-sister to Group III placed Zedazest and to the dam of Group II winner Military Rose, Zestful is one of eight winners from Zest, a half-sister to 5 stakes winners headed by the multiple Group I winner and leading sire Zeditave from the family of Melito, Greys Inn and Norzita.
Zest has produced just one live foal since Zestful, the winning 4yo All American gelding Gessner. The 21yo daughter of Marauding was covered by Spirit Of Boom in February.
Champion stallion Redoute's Choice has 16 lots heading to the Gold Coast in January.
