Choisir
has had some outstanding Northern Hemisphere bred performers over the years and
we might be looking at another after unbeaten colt Zihba landed the Group III
Amethyst Stakes overnight at Leopardstown.
The Fozzy Stack trained colt had won his only two previous starts on the all
weather track at Dundalk in December and March and was having his first start on
turf and taking on older rivals in the one mile contest.
He tracked the leaders and forged clear to win by a length and a half in a
dominant display.
"He's done that well
and we will line him up in the Irish 2000 Guineas next. Whether he's good
enough there we'll see," said Fozzy Stack.
"He wants fast ground which is why he ended up here rather than the Tetrarch
last Monday. He's always worked like a very nice horse at home."
Zihba was a 62,000 euro purchase for De Burgh Equine from the Tattersalls
Ireland Yearling Sale and is the second winner from Galileo mare Fancy Vid, who
comes from the family of Champion Sprinter and 3YO Miler Dream Ahead.
He is the 89th stakes-winner for Coolmore's ever popular Choisir,
who stands at a fee of $29,700 in 2018.