Mark Zahra doesn’t often take early bookings for two-year-olds, but he makes an exception when Lindsay Park comes calling.
The star jockey combined with Ben, Will and J D Hayes to guide Eurocanto to victory in the Listed Maribyrnong Trial (1000m) at Flemington — Victoria’s first juvenile race of the season.
After settling back in the field, Eurocanto ($8) charged home late to edge out Streisand ($5.50) by a half-head, with One Day At A Time ($4) close behind.
“To be honest, I usually don’t like riding two-year-olds too early but when the Hayes’ call, I’ll pick up the phone,” Zahra said.
The $250,000 Gold Coast yearling showed grit after being held up mid-race before powering through late.
“He did that well. He was able to travel up behind them and showed good grit late to win,” Zahra said.
Trainer Ben Hayes praised the colt’s professionalism, saying he’s an “athletic style of horse with plenty of improvement to come” and could head to Cup week if he recovers well.