9 Jul 2023Peter Gelagotis’ opinion of Zilzie Lad was justified at Werribee where he overcame a torrid run to break his maiden over a mile.
The Pakenham-based trainer is confident the best is yet to come from the Almanzor three-year-old, who had placed in three of his previous four appearances.
“He’s a very, very immature horse and I think he’s got great talent,” Gelagotis said.
“There’s a motor there and he’s got a good attitude as well.”
Zilzie Lad was posted back and wide from an outside barrier in his first run beyond 1400 metres and picked up ground 600 metres from home.
He challenged into the straight and stuck to his task gallantly to his task to win by half a-length in the hands of Ben Allen.
“The draw was always going to be tricky and that’s why I left it to the rider and they’ve done a great job,” Gelagotis said.
“Whether we go to the well one more time or to the paddock I’m not sure, but if we keep him good and well he will reward us with more time.”
Allen is of the opinion that Zilzie Lad can comfortably handle more racing.
“He’ll definitely get better with time, but another run wouldn’t hurt him and he’ll keep improving with experience.”
Zilzie Lad was bred by Ellesmere Thoroughbreds and the Cassin Family Trust and was purchased by Gelagotis Racing, James Bester and the Osher Group out of Bhima Thoroughbreds’ draft at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale for A$360,000.
He is the first foal of the multiple winner and stakes performer Angles In Bluejeans, a daughter of Mastercraftsman, and the family of Tavistock’s former Singapore Horse of the Year and four-time black type winner Infantry.