Zoustar arrives in Britain

The colt is being aimed at Royal Ascot's meeting next month, where he could tackle the Gr.1 King's Stand Stakes on the opening day or the Gr.1 Golden Jubilee Stakes on the closing day.

Waller remains in charge of Zoustar - who is owned by a partnership involving Widden Stud, Woodside Park and Qatar Bloodstock - although he will be based at Charlie Hills' yard in Lambourn during his stay in Britain. His journey around the globe began with a flight at 5pm local time from Sydney on Sunday afternoon, and led to stops in Hong Kong and Dubai before he touched down in Germany yesterday. From there he made the final leg by road.

David Redvers, advisor to Qatar Bloodstock, was in Lambourn this morning to greet Zoustar, and he told the Racing Post: "I couldn't have been more delighted, he actually looked better than when I last saw him in Australia. He's extraordinarily lost only four kilos on the flight and was as bright and perky as is possible."
Despite the long journey, Zoustar looked in good shape this morning

A dual Group One winner in Australia, Zoustar was last seen finishing down the field in the Gr.1 Canterbury Stakes in March - soft ground was against him that day, and prevented him running subsequently.

Redvers said: "There wasn't really time for a prep run. The plan was to get him here as early as we can to acclimatise and overcome any setbacks he might have during the trip and I hope we have it spot on. Certainly, if he looks as good as today in six weeks' time, I'd be delighted.

"He's a horse that would get anywhere from five furlongs to a mile but I'd tend towards six furlongs being the perfect route for him and the Diamond Jubilee is very much the target then possibly the July Cup before he takes on stud duties back in Australia. The one caveat is that he needs good ground."