High Cup hopes for in-form Carzoff

3 min read

Written by Paul Vettise

French import Carzoff (Zoffany {IRE}) looms as champion trainer Chris Waller’s leading hope of Group 3 success in Friday’s Electronics Group Newcastle Gold Cup. The 5-year-old is at the top of his game and all the indications from the stable are that he will again be highly competitive.

He was a winner and multiple placegetter in France before he was purchased on behalf of Waller’s clients by agent Guy Mulcaster for 225,000 euros at the Arqana Deauville Autumn Mixed Sale.

He has quickly posted a return on that investment with three wins, culminating in his Listed Wong Cup victory at his most recent appearance.

Carzoff pictured at the 2016 Arqana Autumn Sale

Foundation stallion

The gelding is a grand-son of Tanz (IRE) (Sadler’s Wells {USA}), who is a half-sister to the Group 1 winner Pentire (GB) (Try My Best {USA}). He was Rich Hill Stud’s foundation stallion and produced 17 individual Group 1 winners prior to his death last spring.

Waller said Carzoff has trained on well and he was expecting another bold showing on Friday. “He won the Wyong Cup at his last start and he’s got the same rider, Kerrin McEvoy, and a good draw. He should be hard to beat.”

He will also be represented by Vassall (GB) (Dansili {GB}) and conceded he would need to improve on his recent efforts in Queensland. “It’s a big step up and he needs to improve, but he’s a sneaky chance.

“It’s a big step up and he needs to improve, but he’s a sneaky chance.” – Chris Waller.

The stable will be multiple handed in the G3 Australian Bloodstock Cameron H., with serial placegetter Tom Melbourne (IRE) (Dylan Thomas {IRE}) Leading the change. He has won five times and finished runner-up on no fewer than 11 occasions and will be partnered by Hugh Bowman.

“Hugh has ridden him in a trial win and it was a good run at his last start, he was only narrowly beaten,” Waller said. “After this, it will be on to the Epsom.”

New Zealand Group winner I Am Coldplay (NZ) (Savabeel), I Am Serious (Choisir), Sambro (Fastnet Rock), Kaonic (Fastnet Rock) and Paret (Harbour Watch {IRE}) complete the stable assault.

“I Am Coldplay produced a good first-up run and I think she’ll be competitive.” – Chris Waller.

“I Am Coldplay produced a good first-up run and I think she’ll be competitive,” Waller said. “I Am Serious’s last run was very good over 1900 metres and is coming back sharply in trip, but she’s a quality mare.

“Sambro was so unlucky last start when the gap didn’t appear and he went to the line hard held. he’ll be hard to beat. Kaonic has got a light weight and we’re trying to scrape him into the Epsom and if he wins he will.”

Paret has won his last three starts, but Waller hinted he may instead run in the G3 Bill Ritchie H., at Randwick.