Royal Zabeel Saunters To Victory

There is an expectation of how an odds on should perform. First they should win but most people believe that they should do so in an impressive fashion. Royal Zabeel ticked both these boxes as he ran out an easy winner of the 6f Jayne – On Course Lady Bookmaker EBF Maiden Stakes at Pontefract.

Mastercraftsman is known as the sire of some top class milers and middle distance horses, The Grey Gatsby being his highest rated progeny. They predominantly appreciate a bit further but one thing is that good horses always have speed, with the Gatsby winning over 6f himself. Royal Zabeel had shown plenty at home before his debut and it was at the South Yorkshire track just a couple of weeks beforehand. Inexperience scuppered his chances, slowly away, running into trouble up the straight and just never being able to get a clear run to show his ability.

Returning to Pontefract and with Ryan Moore booked, Royal Zabeel had caught people’s eye as he was a 1/2 fav for his second run. Drawn in stall 1, Ryan set about keeping the task as simple as possible. Although he wasn’t immediately into stride, Ryan nudged him into the bridle and took the advantage with nothing else wanting to go on.

From the off the race would prove fairly plain sailing. Pontefract is quite a quirky track so the previous experience was ideal. Royal Zabeel travelled smoothly on the front end, holding a lead of just over a length. He took the home bend well, and once straightening up Ryan asked the colt to lengthen. With immediate effect Royal Zabeel sprinted clear, putting the race to bed. Education was key now and there was no better man in the saddle for the job. Ryan drove the colt on, teaching him all while. Royal Zabeel kept up to the task and pulled further and further clear. The 7 1/2 length winning margin confirmed his dominance and promise.

This looked a race which was at the mercy of Royal Zabeel and the colt duly delivered. It is never easy gauge the performance but he could not have done any more and the experience will be vital moving forward. He is a 2yo which is clearly talented and the manner in which he strode out does suggest that a step up in trip should be no issue. Stepping into pattern company will likely be the next step and he is a colt with a bright future.

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