Zahra benefits from suspensions and lands top Doomben 10,000 ride
Victorian jockey Mark Zahra has landed the plum ride of Azkadellia in the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 this Saturday.
The Ciaron Maher-trained mare is the firm $2.80 favourite at Sportsbet.com.au after heavy support has come this week with the withdrawal of Godolphin runner Ghisoni.
Maher isn’t worried about the rider change after initially wanting the suspended Damien Oliver, who rode Azkadellia to win the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf last start, and also Nick Hall who picked up a careless riding charge last week.
Mark Zahra has ridden the talented mare just once in 14 starts which came at Pakenham last September. It has now had nine jockeys from its 14 starts, but Maher isn’t worried about the constant changing.
“When you look at her record, she has had quite a few riders on her,” Maher said. “She has had some decent riders, including Joao Moreira.
“But, really, she is pretty straightforward to ride.”
Maher said earlier in the week that Azkadellia’s main target was the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm on June 11, but that hasn’t put punters off. On the second line of betting is Fell Swoop which has endured a tough campaign and a fresh Azkadellia could handle this field with ease.
“She had a nice jumpout the other day and seems to be on track,” Maher said.
“The Stradbroke has always been the aim for her. She generally improves with racing during her preparations and she has freshened up nicely.
“While she will probably be better suited to 1400m and the big track at Eagle Farm, but the race on Saturday she mightn’t be too far off them.”
Azkadellia was one of the first horses to trial on the new Eagle Farm track and it cruised to an easy win. It looked forward after a quick freshen up after The Championships and we expect the $2.80 to firm in a touch.
Updated Doomben 10,000 market
The Group 1 Doomben 10,000 field has been confirmed and the updated market has been released. Azkadellia has been well-supported throughout the betting, but there are many dangers according to the bookmakers.
There is currently five horses priced in single figures, all under $7, and there are some quality runners paying good prices also.
Recent winner Rageese is a $10 chance at Sportsbet and the in-form Darren Weir lines up Stratum Star ($17) which is overdue another top win.
Doomben 10,000 market:
Azkadellia – $2.80 at Sportsbet.com.au
Fell Swoop – $4.60
Delectation – $5.50
Dothraki – $6.00
Music Magnate – $6.50
Rageese – $10
Charlie Boy – $15
Scarlet Billows – $17
Stratum Star – $17
Two Blue – $21
Hooked – $26
Divine Centuri – $34
Tivaci – $51
Near the bottom of the market is Divine Centuri which won a three-year-old handicap at Doomben last start. It is still eligible for restricted grade, but trainer Stuart Kendrick thinks it’s good enough to take on the $750,000 Group 1 weight-for-age.
“The work was good enough for us to roll the dice and have a go at the 10,000,” Kendrick said.
“The winter has always been our aim.”
Only one three-year-old filly has won the 10,000 which was Sea Siren in 2012.