Zourion to relish Guineas mile

Zourion winning the Gr. 2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) at Matamata Photo: Trish Dunell

Mark Walker is hoping a long range plan put in place back in February comes to fruition on Saturday when Zourion (NZ) (Zoustar) lines up in the A$1.5 million Gr.1 Schweppes Thousand Guineas.

Chats with Brendan and Jo Lindsay took place after the Cambridge Stud-owned fillies Matamata Breeders’ Stakes victory to target the now delayed Group One classic.

A wide run in the Thousand Guineas Prelude has Walker convinced the daughter of Zoustar will run the mile on Saturday.

“Mick Dee said she really toughed it out, Mick said she was entitled not to do what she did and he worked her this morning and thinks she’s come on even further,” Walker said.

“She’s just continued to eat which is a really good sign for a three-year-old filly.

“We have got no doubts about the mile I think it will really suit her.

“You would love to just draw a barrier and do no work.”

The $475,000 Karaka purchase is a $17 chance with Sportsbet for the Thousand Guineas.

Walker said no decision had been made if she stays in Australia or returns to New Zealand at the end of this campaign.