Zahra gives Tofane the hurry up in Orr Stakes
JOCKEY Mark Zahra was in a hurry before the gates opened in Saturday’s Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes at Caulfield.
Zahra was booked on a flight to the US for the Super Bowl, deciding to relax while he served a careless riding suspension.
He did not have time for a post-race interview, but he had time to produce a smart frontrunning on the grand Mike Moroney-trained Tofane.
Zahra let Tofane stride to the lead once likely leader Lightsaber jumped terribly, taking control of the $1m race from the outset.
He did not let the mare roll back to the inside as the sixyear-old held out imported mare Lighthouse, who had every chance, to score by 1½ lengths.
Zahra’s quick assessment of the early speed left Moroney confident Tofane would post her fourth Group 1 win a long way from home.
“She was never going to be beaten from a long way out,” Moroney said.
“It was a great ride.
“We thought the threeyear-old (Lightsaber) would lead and we’d go and sit outside it and if something wanted to come around three-wide, we’d get in the running line.
“The three-year-old was slow away and it was a good front-running ride.”
Tofane started her farewell tour with another Group 1 win, which will boost her value when she heads to a broodmare sale later this year.
“We’ll go to the Futurity (Stakes on February 26) and then we’ll either stay here or head up to Sydney,” Moroney said.
“Sydney would be her swan song I would say and then she will go through the sales, at Magic Millions.”
Godolphin galloper Cascadian made ground to grab third ahead of Sierra Sue, who peaked on her run late.