 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Zaaki's connections have made the decision to shift their focus to Western Australia, which means they will be opting out of international competition in Hong Kong. Trainer Annabel Neasham announced on Wednesday afternoon that the 9YO will now be targeting the US$1.5 million Gr.1 Northerly Stakes on 9th December.
James McDonald has been given the green light by the HKJC to ride Zaaki and will be back for the major international meeting the following day.
Neasham expressed a desire to compete in Hong Kong but had reservations about Zaaki spending three weeks there after the race. As a result, they have decided to keep him domestically for a Group 1 weight-for-age race, especially one over a distance that suits him well.
Neasham drew comparisons to their strategy with Laws Of Indices and My Oberon last year, emphasizing that Zaaki, now an older horse, is well-suited for this calculated decision. Zaaki finished fourth in the recent G1 Champions Stakes, setting the stage for his upcoming challenge in the Northerly Stakes.