Fly Zenno to fulfil Oaks dream

[Wandering Eyes]

Talented staying filly Fly Zenno (NZ) (Ancient Spirit) will line up in Saturday’s Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Ellerslie, a target her connections have held close since day one.

Prepared by Conor and Sarah Fahy, the scopey daughter of Ancient Spirit has finished just behind the minor placings at her past two outings, finishing fifth in the Gr.2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2000m) before a solid fourth in the Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies Classic (2100m) at Te Rapa.

On both occasions, Fly Zenno was comfortably held by Ohope Wins (NZ) (Ocean Park), who will start a warm favourite in Saturday’s Oaks.

But with a more positive running style than many of her rivals and the make and shape of a Classic filly, Fly Zenno is sure to give her emerging trainers a run for their money.

“We bought her as a yearling at Karaka with the hope she’d end up in the Oaks, that’s what we told all the owners and it is pleasing to see her meet that goal,” Conor Fahy said.

“She was just a lovely scopey filly, light on her feet and we loved her from the first time we saw her. Jack and Wayne Stewart (of White Robe Lodge) gave us the push to buy her and we’re pleased we did.”

A $30,000 yearling purchase, Fahy said despite the Oaks being a logical target, Fly Zenno hasn’t been over-pressured.

“We have been quite soft on her because as much as we were hoping she was an Oaks filly, she is still probably a preparation away from being at her very best,” he said.

“We are hoping that she will get the distance but at the same time we haven’t pushed her to get there.

“If Ohope Wins gets the run of the race, I’d say she will be extremely hard to beat. It is probably the wrong year for a small stable like us to have a filly for the Oaks.

“It looks like one of the strongest Oaks fields in recent memory. There is really good depth in the race and we are a maiden going in, so we are under no illusions.”

Regular rider Matthew Cameron will partner the filly from barrier nine and Fahy is hoping there is genuine tempo for the $35 chance.

“We won’t make it a trot and canter but at the same time we would love to take a sit on a good pace and have something to strike at,” he said.

“She is still quite green and although she is learning as she goes, it would be nice for her to be able to follow something and kick off the back of them.

“Matt (Cameron) knows her well and he is just going to have to ride the race as it unfolds in front of him. From where they jump from, she can jump off and just roll along nicely.”

The talented couple have made a good fist of training from their Pukekohe base, but saddling an elite level runner will provide a rare buzz.

“It is unbelievable to have a nice filly in the Oaks,” Fahy said. “We really only have five or six out of the stable racing at any one time as we are busy with young horses and doing a couple here and there for other people.

“To have a filly in a Group One race at this early stage of our careers is amazing and we’re really looking forward to Saturday.”

View the full article