Zaeed scores in Final Handicap

By Kent Layne

Imported USA three-year-old Zaeed kept his undefeated record at 1,800 metres intact when catching top-class mare Joqular in the final strides to win the Final Handicap for the top-rated horses on Saturday night.

Zaeed had gotten revenge on Joqular when finishing second to the Charles Williams trained mare in the Sandy Lane Spa Sprint in March of this year but was later disqualified.

Joqular set a strong pace on the firm ground going seven lengths clear in the early stages with Vividly and Zeeko side by side.

At the two furlongs marker, Joqular grabbed hold of the bit and shot off as her jockey Rasheed Hughes was aiming to win a fourth race on the night as Joqular’s fans were jumping for joy  throwing race programmes in the air in jubilation.

All that partying was short-lived as the Jean-Marc Cozier-owned and trained Zaeed had gone on to win his second 1,800 by 3\4 from Joqular, Vividly and So Suave in that order.

Winning owner Jean-Marc Cozier and second place owner Darwin Clarke have won 80 per cent of races for the top-rated horses this year with Jean-Marc Cozier winning twice with So Suave, which included the Coolmore stakes, Zeeko twice and  Zaeed twice,  Clarke won with Joqular once.

Races will now go on a break and return on November 3.