Zoustar triumphant in Golden Rose

Jim Cassidy rides Zoustar to victory in the G1 Golden Rose

Champion trainer Chris Waller labelled Zoustar a special horse after he trounced a field of top-class rivals to win the $1 million Golden Rose (1,400m) at Rosehill in Sydney.

The confidence of Zoustar’s connections was dented when the horse drew the outside gate in the 16-horse field, but Jim Cassidy rode him patiently before unleashing a winning burst in the straight.

Melbourne visitor Dissident was brave in second place after racing wide throughout, while Bull Point produced an amazing effort to flash home for third after being tailed off turning for home.

But it was Zoustar’s acceleration off just a moderate pace that impressed onlookers and has Waller dreaming of further spring riches for the colt by ill-fated stallion Northern Meteor.

“Obviously when the barrier draw came out I said ‘bugger’, but we just look at the positives that we had to have a horse better than average to win anyway,” Waller said.

“He’s a serious colt, a valuable colt now … geez he’s got a big future.”

Zoustar now shares favouritism for next month’s Caulfield Guineas with last-start winner Long John.

Waller said the confidence Zoustar gained by racing in Brisbane during the winter had taken the horse to another level.

“Jimmy’s been so bullish about this horse since he came back from Queensland – he was devastated when he didn’t win the JJ Atkins, he’s run second, but that’s Jim Cassidy.

“He lifts these horses, he knows what he’s got under him, and Jesus Christ he’s a good jockey.”

Cassidy is now one win shy of 100 career Group Ones.

“I was backing the horse’s ability and mine – I knew Chris had done his job but the rest was up to me and the horse,” he said.

“I knew if I could nurse him and put him in the race at the 400 … I thought I’d count to 10 and wait, but I got an itchy arse and said I’m going for home.”

Tags: goldenrose, zoustar

Category: Racing