Exciting Zoustar colt Zoology makes winning return

Qatar Racing’s Zoology made it two wins from three starts when scoring on his seasonal reappearance in a novice at Southwell, proving himself over 7f in the process. The QIPCO 2000 Guineas entry could head to the Gr.3 Greenham Stakes at Newbury next.

Zoology had looked well above average when making a winning debut at Yarmouth last September, beating the likes of subsequent Listed winner Proverb, and was thrown into the deep end in the Gr.1 Middle Park Stakes 11 days later. He still finished ahead of a subsequent useful winner at Newmarket.

Zoology was odds on for his return at Southwell on Tuesday, despite giving weight all round, and he made all under a confident ride from Oisin Murphy. Sent to the front from the off, Zoology raced with his ears pricked until knuckling down well to hold off promising Frankel newcomer Covey.

Trainer James Ferguson was delighted with the performance and is considering running Zoology in the Gr.3 Greenham Stakes at Newbury on Apr 22, a key trial for the QIPCO 2000 Guineas on May 6. Running against Gr.1 Dewhurst Stakes winner Chaldean and unbeaten Gr.2 winner Noble Style in the Greenham will certainly give us an idea of where Zoology stands.

Zoology is from the first Northern Hemisphere crop of Qatar Racing’s stallion Zoustar, who stands at Tweenhills in Gloucestershire alongside Kameko and Lightning Spear.

Zoustar is also the sire of Gr.1 Cheveley Park Stakes winner Lezoo, as well as her fellow QIPCO 1000 Guineas entries Couplet and Gemstar. He’s the sire of recent Qatar Racing homebred winner Alpha Zulu, as well as many Gr.1 horses in his native Australia where he’s a superstar sire.