Zoustar ready for first run in Qatar Bloodstock colours

The Chris Waller-trained three-year-old is one of ten possible runners in the Aus$500,000 contest, which takes place over 1,300m (about six and a half furlongs). Jockey Jim Cassidy will ride the dual Group One-winning colt, who is tackling this trip for the first time - he has not raced since winning the Gr.1 Coolmore Stud Stakes on November 2, but has taken part in two barrier trials ahead of the Canterbury Stakes.

On Tuesday, after Zoustar had taken part in his final piece of work, Cassidy told The Daily Telegraph: "Chris has got him looking great and he is working as well as you could hope. I can't wait for Saturday. He worked terrific this morning."

Waller, who saddles three other runners in the race, was also happy with the work, but added Zoustar will benefit from the run. He said: "He is ready to rock and roll, but you can't replace race fitness and the things that come along with it."

Zoustar will be tackling weight for age for the first time after recording all his six wins against his own age group. He scored three wins as a two year old, including the Group 2 $250,000 Al Basti Equiworld BRC Sires' Produce Stakes at Doomben during last year's Brisbane Winter Carnival.

Three further victories this season included the Coolmore Stud Stakes and the $1m Gr.1 De Bortoli Wines Golden Rose Stakes at Rosehill, as well a win at Group 2 level in the $175,000 Roman Consul Stakes at Randwick in October.

It was announced in January that Qatar Bloodstock had become a partner in Zoustar, who it is hoped will race at Royal Ascot in June.