Think It Over claims Zaaki late to claim 7 Stakes
The Kerry Parker-trained Think It Over (+400) has arrived in time to claim the inaugural running of the 7 Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Having resumed with a midfield effort in the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) on August 19, the 2022 Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner put the writing on the wall in the Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) last time out when beaten a half-length.
With Going Global (+2500) making it a genuinely run affair throughout, Think It Over had been given every opportunity on the heels of the leader and race favourite Zaaki (+200) throughout.
Zaaki hit the front with 200m to go under Chad Schofield and booted two lengths clear, but under a determined ride from Nash Rawiller, Think It Over launched over the final 100m to claim Zaaki right on the winning post in a stirring battle in Saturday’s feature at Randwick with Fangirl (+240) back in third.
2023 7 Stakes Replay – Think It Over | T: Kerry Parker | J: Nash Rawiller
Think it Over has been Kerry Parker’s stable star for some time now and it was evident post-race just how much this horse means to his trainer.
“I’m absolutely rapt, it’s wasn’t just me to get the horse back, there was a lot of people putting a lot of work into him,” said Parker.
“It’s just a thrill to have him back and to make it all worth while, to win a really nice race and he’s done that today.
“He’ll have four weeks off and go to the King Charles. That’ll be a nice result, try and turn him into a real ‘royal horse’ with a Queen Elizabeth and a King Charles.”
Saturday’s victory was Nash Rawiller 7th win aboard Think It Over, with the superstar hoop suggesting there is plenty left to come for the winner.
“I’m very proud. That was a gallant performance. I just relied on the horse’s ability and his will to win,” said Rawiller.
I was reluctant to come out from behind him (Zaaki) because I thought he was still running time.
“It’s no good coming out and attacking him now cause we’re still going 100 mile an hour, I just waited until I sensed that he was waiting for us or beginning to feel the pinch.”
Following Saturday’s win, Think It Over is now an +1000 chance with online betting sites for the Group 1 King Charles Stakes (1600m) on October 14.