Zarita powers to the line ahead of stablemate Roslotta during a recent track gallop at Cranbourne Racecourse.By Glen Atwell
CRANBOURNE racing star Zarita is one step closer to spring racing glory after a telling run in the Group 2 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington on Saturday.
Zarita, trained by Pat Hyland and ridden by Greg Childs, placed second in the race, which was dominated by racing prodigy and firm favourite Weekend Hussler (TAB $1.70).
Zarita, a certain starter in the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup, powered home to beat second favourite, the previously unbeaten Light Fantastic.
Hyland said Zarita’s impressive run was as good as a win.
“Before the race, I thought she would finish third and I would have been disappointed with fourth,” he said.
“To run second, and not get blown away by Weekend Hussler was an amazing effort. It felt as good as a win,” Hyland said.
“She did all the work up front to trail Weekend Hussler, and then left Light Fantastic behind in the run to the post.”
Zarita was in “sensational” condition after the race, and Hyland said he was looking forward to a big spring campaign.
“There’s a long way to go before the Caulfield and Melbourne cup, but things are looking really good,” he said.
