G1 Epsom Goal for Zoustar Mare

Tara Madgwick - Saturday September 10

Quality Zoustar mare Kiku might be in for her best ever preparation at age five, powering home to score a last stride win in the Group II ATC Theo Marks stakes (1300m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

Kiku nails Mr Mozart on the line - image Steve Hart

The Chris Waller trained mare had some residual fitness having last been seen finishing fifth in the Group I Tatts Tiara in June and she produced a sharp turn of foot for Jason Collett to nab Snitzel stallion Mr Mozart on the line.
 

 

"No surprise, but we knew we needed luck from the draw and luck includes pace in a race," Chris Waller said.

"There was good speed on, she got out in clear air and came with a well-timed run. 

"She's a decent horse. Barrier draws have been against her all her life really since announcing herself back in the autumn two years ago. 

"It has been a long time coming to win a race like this, but we've always thought she's had the ability." 

Kiku was a $300,000 Magic Millions yearling purchase for Star Thoroughbreds.

A $300,000 Magic Millions purchase for Star Thoroughbreds from the Amarina Farm draft, Kiku has the overall record of six wins and nine placings from 22 starts with prizemoney getting very close to $1million.

Kiku won the Group III ATC Carbine Club Stakes over 1600m as a 3YO, so is effective over the Randwick mile and the Group I ATC Epsom Handicap in October is on the agenda.

"She's nominated for it. We thought enough of her to run her in the Doncaster back in the autumn, but just struggled on the very wet ground," Waller said. 

"Hopefully we can get some good weather in Sydney in the next few weeks and she'll be there.”

Kiku was bred by Frank Meduri and is a full sister to Group I VRC Newmarket Handicap winner Zoutori and half-sister to stakes-placed Kamitori being from Atotori, a half-sister by Haradasun to Group III winner Castlethorpe from an international family that includes Epsom Derby winner and sire New Approach.

Atotori sadly died in 2020 and has left three Black Type performers from just four foals.

Zoustar was enjoying the crowd at the Widden Stud stallion parades this year.

Kiku kept the winning run going for her sire Zoustar, who has made a swift start to the new season and was also represented by new stakes-placed horses on Saturday in Zou Sensation and C’Est Magique.

Zoustar will cover a full book at Widden Stud this spring at a fee of $198,000.

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Race Result - Fujitsu General Theo Marks Gr2 1300m

Rosehill Track: Good(4) Time: 1:16.62
1
Kiku
- 5m Zoustar (AUS) x Atotori (AUS) (Haradasun (AUS))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: J R Collett 54
Zoustar
2
0.2
Mr Mozart
- 4h Snitzel (AUS) x Euro Angel (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle (IRE))
Tnr: M, W & J Hawkes Rdr: W Pike 54.5
3
0.4
Prime Candidate
- 8g Denman (AUS) x Coolroom Candidate (AUS) (Mister C. (USA))
Tnr: Bjorn Baker Rdr: Dylan Gibbons 53
Denman
4
0.7
Jamaea
- 4m Headwater (AUS) x Isibaeva (AUS) (Johannesburg (USA))
Tnr: R & L Price Rdr: Tommy Berry 53
5
0.9
Kementari
- 8g Lonhro (AUS) x Yavanna (AUS) (Redoute's Choice (AUS))
Tnr: James Cummings Rdr: J Bowman 59
6
1.1
Ellsberg
- 5h Spill The Beans (AUS) x Love Of Liberty (AUS) (General Nediym (AUS))
Tnr: G Ryan & S Alexiou Rdr: C Schofield 57.5
7
1.6
Atishu
- 5m Savabeel (AUS) x Posy (NZ) (No Excuse Needed (GB))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: J Ford 53
8
2.0
Rustic Steel
- 5g Deep Field (AUS) x Ten Carat Rock (AUS) (Rock Of Gibraltar (IRE))
Tnr: K A Lees Rdr: K Mc Evoy 54
9
2.7
Tycoonist
- 5g Written Tycoon (AUS) x Doubtfilly (AUS) (Not A Single Doubt (AUS))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: Ms K O'Hara 53
10
3.4
Bigboyroy
- 6g Dissident (AUS) x Follonica (AUS) (Flying Spur (AUS))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: Rachel King 54
11
11.0
Kolding
- 7g Ocean Park (NZ) x Magic Star (AUS) (Danzero (AUS))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: J B Mc Donald 58.5
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