1 Mar 2023The classically bred Mehzebeen boosted her G1 New Zealand Oaks prospects with a strong staying performance at Awapuni.
The daughter of Almanzor’s price for the Trentham feature came in from $81 to $41 following her maiden success against older opposition over 2200 metres at her fourth appearance.
Trained by Mark Walker, the filly had finished fifth when stepped up to 2000 metres at her previous appearance and all indications are that she will relish the Classic distance.
She settled off the pace at Awapuni before picking up ground 400 metres from home and rounded off strongly under Opie Bosson to win with authority.
Mehzebeen was purchased out of breeder Pencarrow Stud at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale for $50,000 by Sarai Stud, who races the filly with a number of partners.
She is a daughter of the Zabeel mare Salkantay, who is a half-sister to the G2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes winner Te Akau Coup and the family of the G3 Vanity Stakes winner Alzora.