Zou Sensation continued a standout 2025 campaign by proving too strong in Wednesday’s 1400-metre Kensington Stakes at Flemington.

The Leon and Troy Corstens and Will Larkin-trained on-pacer showed his toughness late, holding off Steparty to land the $175,000 Listed contest.

It marked the 11th run of a preparation that began back on May 10 and has been defined by consistency and durability.

Across the campaign, Zou Sensation has now recorded five wins, including two at Listed level, alongside a Group 2 second and top-four finishes in both the $1m The Meteorite and The Supernova.

Wednesday’s $105,000 winner’s cheque pushed his career earnings past the $1 million mark.

“I said, ‘mate, he’s as good as he ever is’,” Troy Corstens said.

“He’s just an iron horse… he’s going so well, why would you tip him out?”

The son of Zoustar fought hard when challenged late, scoring by a head from Steparty ($6.50), with $2.50 bookmakers favourite Persian Spirit two lengths back in third.

Jamie Melham said the race unfolded perfectly.

“Today everything was just easy. He was an absolute dream to ride and he was very relaxed,” Melham said.

“That’s how we thought it would play out, the map, and it worked out perfectly.”