Zion thriving in new environment
The Waikato Stud-bred and sold Zion has found a happy home with Flemington trainer Nick Ryan.
The son of Rubick had performed well in his two of first three lead-up outings from his new quarters before romping home at short odds at Sale on Sunday in the hands of Ben Melham over 1100 metres.
“I spoke to Nick this morning and he said the only way you’ll get beaten is if you fall off, he was the superior horse in the race,” Melham said.
“I was always within striking distance and it was a good victory.”
Zion was purchased at Karaka for $360,000 by Suman Hedge Bloodstock with trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace and won his first two races from their Victorian stable. He then had two starts in South Australia for Will Clarken before joining Ryan’s team.
He is the first foal of the Dylan Thomas mare Kim Dynasty who is a half-sister to the G1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ S. winner Arlingtonboulevard.
Kim Dynasty has an unraced juvenile filly by Savabeel and a yearling by Super Seth, who she was again served by last season.
G3 TAB Mile trifecta for Waikato sires
Recording his first Group victory, and second at black-type level after success in the Listed Lindauer Stewards Stakes some 12 months back, Ocean Park gelding Mystic Park led home an impressive one-two-three result for the Waikato stallions, defeating Sir Albert (Savabeel) and Cannon Hill (Ardrossan) in Wednesday’s Gr.3 TAB Mile (1600m) at Riccarton Park.
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The Corner with Garry Chittick
Sometimes you wonder, other times you realise what’s the point. We have two new Board members to help guide Thoroughbred Racing to a brighter, more enlightened future. Now, I don’t know either, and I am sure they have been confirmed for the right reasons – I think my concern is where is it our leaders believe they are taking us.
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