Williams predicts big future for Zagreb
Story By Jason Hickson
Friday, 15 February 2008:  | | Playwright wins the C.S. Hayes Stakes |
The colt, a son of Zabeel from the Danehill mare Dansino, has had just two career starts, winning impressive on debut over 1200m at Morphettville before finishing sixth at his last run in the Group 3 C.S. Hayes Stakes over 1400m at Flemington.
Williams, aboard last start, said he will be better suited over tomorrow's longer journey but believes he will be a force over even further later in the autumn.
I've got a lot of time for this horse, Williams said. He's a gentle giant.
It will be a good experience for him tomorrow around the Valley. If he runs well he might go on to the Guineas but he's a definite Derby chance.
The three-year-old's dam, Dansino, was a winner to 1400m but is a three-quarter sister to Group 2 Sandown Guineas winner Moon Dragon and a half-sister to Group 1 Australasian Oaks winner Leica Smile.
Zagreb is on the fourth line of betting for tomorrow's race, dominated by Schilling at $2.70 and Playwright at $3.40.
The trainer of Playwright, Steve Richards, believes his three-year-old can make it three wins on end after galloping strongly at Moonee Valley on Tuesday.
I think the 1600m suits him now, Richards told Sport 927.
I can't fault the horse he looks absolutely magnificent. He went to the Valley on Tuesday and glided around like a professional and worked nicely again on Thursday morning.
He won't run again before the Guineas. I've got a terrific opinion of the horse and I can't wait for the spring I think he'll be even better.
Playwright came from the tail to win the Hayes Stakes over Schilling last start but punters are confident the runner-up can turn the tables this time, meeting the winner 2.5kg better at the weights.
Did We Win is an early scratching.
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