Trainer Chris Waller is likely to set Zumbelina for an autumn race won by former stable stars Red Tracer and Catkins after the filly posted a third consecutive metropolitan win at Rosehill on Saturday.
Zumbelina ($1.70 fav) had only three rivals to beat in the Bedford CA Handicap (1400m) but won as an odds-on chance should.
The daughter of Stratum was momentarily caught in a pocket at the top of the straight but gave her backers little cause for concern thereafter, cruising to a three-quarter length win described by Waller as “relatively painless.”
Finishing in second was the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Fiery Trail ($5), three-quarters of a length ahead of Bjorn Baker’s Cadogan ($4.60) in third.
Waller said Zumbelina is in no rush to graduate to stakes company but one autumn contest at the forefront of the trainer’s mind is the Group III PJ Bell Stakes (1200m), which has been previously won by Red Tracer and Catkins.
“Go back through those two horses and we were cautious with both early. They both won the PJ Bell,” Waller said.
“She’s a chance of being that type of horse.
“She’s versatile, she’s carrying big weights and she’s winning.”
Zumbelina, is one of the beneficiaries of New South Wales’ recent prizemoney increases, having banked more than $188,000 from just four starts. – Racenet.com.au
