Simon Zahra Racing wasted no time in building on its maiden success with its first city winners at Caulfield.
Benefactress posted the stable’s first win under the Simon Zahra Racing banner at Geelong 48 hours before Brilliant Venture and Dirty Deeds combined for a winning double at Caulfield. Consistent stayer Brilliant Venture gave SZR its first city win when Jamie Mott guided the gelding to a comfortable win in the James Hurley Handicap (2380m).
Brilliant Venture relished a drop in class to Benchmark 70 level while a smart ride from Mott was the final piece in the puzzle. Mott hailed the way Simon Zahra Racing turned out Brilliant Venture at Caulfield.
“Simon and his team have done a fantastic job with him, and he presented in great order today,” Mott said. “It’s probably the best he’s relaxed in a race and is he can perform like that and switch off in his races over this trip. “With the turn of foot he’s got he’s in for a good few runs I think.”
Apprentice Josh Richards completed a great day for Simon Zahra Racing when he steered Dirty Deeds along the inside to win the Richard Platt Handicap (1800m). Dirty Deeds worked hard out wide at Flemington on the previous Saturday but the five-year-old son of Dundeel showed his talent with a much softer run at Caulfield.
Richards said he would like to continue riding for Zahra’s stable.
“It would be great to form a relationship, very grateful for the ride today,” Richards said. “It’s good to get support from these stables and hopefully we can stick our head in there and get a few more.”
Zahra said he expected the stable to continue improving as the weeks unfold. “It’s been hard, there’s no doubt about that,” Zahra said. “But I’ve been getting into my rhythm a bit better and getting into a better a routine. “All the staff have been finding their feet a lot better as well so it’s starting to come together.”
Congratulations to the owners of both Caulfield winners and all involved with Simon Zahra Racing’s wonderful city success.
