Cover image courtesy of Bronwen Healy
In-form The Astrologist (Zoustar) will headline Bennett’s contingent in the G3 Bletchingly S. while resuming G3 Vanity S. winner Zou Dancer (Zoustar) is out to kickstart her campaign in style, with success in a competitive 3-year-old handicap.
And according to Bennett, a Saturday metropolitan double isn’t out of the equation.
He said The Astrologist has come through a hard-fought All Victorian Sprint Finals victory earlier this month in good order, saying his work suggests he can measure up against better-performed gallopers.
“The horse has always shown us immense ability and we think he is certainly up to this class, as he’s really started to mature since returning from Queensland,” Nathan Bennett told TDNAusNZ.
“The horse (The Astrologist) has always shown us immense ability and we think he is certainly up to this class." - Nathan Bennett
“Only eight starts ago he was rated 64 and now he’s 99 so he’s a horse on the up and while they’re proven horses, he can stand up to them and give them a really good shake, as he will go forward and be hard to run down.”
The Astrologist (black and orange silks) | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy
Dancer ready
Bennett is hoping lightly raced filly Zou Dancer can deliver in her first start since finishing 1.9l fifth the G1 Australian Guineas.
He said the $150,000 2019 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase is forward enough to prevail fresh, despite drawing awkwardly in barrier 15.
“I think her class can counter the draw as she’s a horse who can sustain long runs. So, I don’t think the 1200 metres or the barrier is a concern for us because as the day wears on the outside could be the place to be,” he said.
“Her trials have been superb and just looking at her she seems to have filled out and lengthened a touch. I think we’re in for a really solid preparation as she is in great condition.”
Bennett isn’t willing to specify a specific spring target for his operation's headline act, saying that connections will make decisions based on the merit of each run.
“I’ve spoken to Leon and Troy (Corstens) and we have discussed a few races, and the other day we mentioned the (G1) Memsie S. if she was ready or even other features such as the (G1) Empire Rose S. and The Golden Eagle,” he said.
“There’s also The Invitation and while you need an invitation to get into that race, I’m sure she will show she’s pretty classy and earn an invite.
“There’s also The Invitation and while you need an invitation to get into that race, I’m sure she (Zou Dancer) will show she’s pretty classy and earn an invite." - Nathan Bennett
“If she can improve one to 1.5l as we expect, we know we’ve got a horse who can be competitive at Group 1 level.”
Zou Dancer | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy
Bennett’s success with the progeny of Zoustar has seen him acquire four of his offspring at this year’s yearling sales, including a colt out of the G3 Schweppervescence S. winner Girl In Flight (Commands).
Of the 41 horses currently under Bennett’s management seven are by Zoustar.
“I love the horses he throws; they’re horses with these amazing hips and they just have a look about them that he stamps right across his progeny and we have acquired some really nice ones this year,” he said.
“We’ve also got a really nice 2-year-old colt by him called Dayan Star who will debut at Moonee Valley next week and he just looks a lovely horse in the making.”
Zoustar x Girl In Flight (colt) purchased by Bennett Racing for $100,000 from the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
