Te Akau Matamata Treble - Zippy Zeitaku

Date: 26 Jan 2023

Te Akau Matamata Treble - Zippy Zeitaku

 

Putting the writing on the wall last start, Zeitaku(4 g Savabeel - Miss Opulence, by O'Reilly) delivered profoundly in the $14,000 Fairview Motors Matamata Rating 75 1400 metres on 25 January at Matamata.

Out of a half-sister to six-time Group One winner and Champion Middle Distance horse Sir Slick (Volksraad), Zeitaku had steamed home from last in the fastest last 600m (34.1) on the day when resuming in the Rating 75 1200 metres on 30 December at Taupo, and emulated the effort to score his third win.

Dictated by the draw (11) to get back in running, Zeitaku stood the leader eight lengths at the 600m, circled widest, and when asked to quicken by Te Akau apprentice Hakim Kamaruddin (a1) he flew home to grab honours.

On Soft7 footing that continued to improve throughout the day, Zeitaku ran 1400 metres in 1:23.7, last 600m in 35.0, and paid $4.70 & $1.70 on the NZ TAB tote.

“He's had his fair share of niggling issues, but it was a good win today and he looks to be back on track now,” said trainer Mark Walker.

“He's still lightly raced and we think he can look forward to more wins in the future and that will do his confidence the world of good.”

Purchased by David Ellis CNZM at the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale, from the draft of Riversley Park, Zeitaku is owned by Te Akau 2020 RTR Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis).

“He's rounded off really well in his last two starts and looks like he's destined to race well up in grades,” Ellis said.

On course to accept spoils on behalf of the owners, John Elstob said: “Thank you to Fairview Motors, who sponsor extensively at race meetings.

“That was an exciting win and it's great to be here in the Waikato Stud winner's circle at Matamata.

“Thank you to Mark Walker, a very good trainer in every respect, and all the staff that work so hard on our behalf.

“The horse has taken patient handling, but is really putting it together now and we look forward to seeing how far he can go.”

Zeitaku is by eight-time Champion Sire Savabeel (Zabeel), from the family Sir Slick, who won 22 races, and dual Group One winning Champion Three-Year-Old, now stallion, Puccini (Encosta de Lago), winner of the NZ Derby (Gr. 1, 2400m) and Thorndon Mile (Gr. 1, 1600m), along with three-time winner Verdi (Zabeel), now also performing stallion duties.

Zeitaku was strapped by Mallesh Saddari.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz

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