Froebel Star gives Zousain a timely boost ahead of Inglis Easter

Written by Keely Mckitterick

Cover image courtesy of Warwick Farm

It was third time lucky for the Ciaron Maher-trained Froebel Star (Zousain) at Warwick Farm on Easter Monday.

The 2-year-old filly, ridden by James McDonald, narrowly got the better of the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained The Three Hundred (I Am Invincible). Meanwhile El Castello (Castelvecchio) was a further 1.3l away in third for Anthony Cummings.

Froebel Star started her career on the Gold Coast, finishing second in the R. Listed Magic Millions The Debut 2YO Fillies Plate beaten by Too Darn Lizzie (Too Darn Hot {GB}), a stablemate of The Three Hundred.

The daughter of Zousain was then sixth in the Listed Lonhro Plate in February. Returning to the trials earlier in March, Froebel Star was impressive at Warwick Farm beating the regally bred Mergeila (Justify {USA}) and Point Loma (Dubious).

Froebel Star is the sixth individual winner for Zousain, who stands at Widden Stud alongside his sire Zoustar. Her dam Germayne Lass (Stormberg Carlson) won three races and was placed in the Listed Princess S.

Raheen Stud sold the filly for $320,000 to Ciaron Maher Bloodstock and David Redvers Bloodstock at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Good run continues

Widden Stud’s nominations, sales and client relations Matt Comerford shared himself and the team have been delighted with the start Zousain has made, “He has made an excellent start to his new career.

“Zousain has had six individual winners, all of which have been metropolitan winners. Headlined by his daughter Drifting, who won the G3 Magic Night S. and was Listed-placed in Melbourne at Flemington.

“To be frank, Zousain has exceeded our expectations with his early results to date.”

Zousain’s six winners have come from only 17 runners. In total his progeny have won eight races. In addition to Drifting, he has also been represented by Chateau Miraval, who broke her maiden and was third in the G3 Magic Night S. and fourth in the G2 Sweet Embrace S.

The son of Zoustar’s progeny continued to be well-received at the sales earlier in the year. Currently they are averaging $64,463 with a top price of $250,000 for a colt and $230,000 for a filly.

Outside of the sales ring he remains well patronised, serving 189 mares at a fee of $22,000 (inc GST).

“Zousain has remained a popular option for breeders. We have been thrilled with the support he’s received and it’s fantastic to see him doing the job on the track,” Comerford said.

“He served 189 mares last season up from the 171 he served in 2022, which we feel is testament to the types he is leaving.”

Easter offerings

Zousain will be presented by two lots at the upcoming 2024 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale. Widden Stud will offer Lot 303 a strongly built bay colt. He is from the proven producer Soho Secret (Lucky Owners {NZ}).

She won as a 2-year-old and finished fourth in the G3 Silver Shadow S. Soho Secret is the dam of six winners led by the G1 Spring Champion S. victor Vanbrugh, who is also a Group 1-producing sire.

“We are thrilled Zousain has two representatives at the 2024 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale. Widden Stud will present one of these Lot 303, who is a half-brother to the Group 1 winner Vanbrugh.

“He’s a really nice colt that will only continue to improve as he matures.”

Meanwhile Sledmere Stud will present Lot 70, a handsome colt from the Oratorio (Ire) mare Hold For Ransom, who is the dam of the Listed-placed juvenile Bribery (Spirit Of Boom). The colt is from the family of the Group 3 winner Benny’s Buttons (Refuse To Bend {Ire}) and the talented Real Surreal (Real Saga), a victress of the R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic and placed in the G2 Surround S.

Comerford has inspected Lot 70 and has been impressed, “He’s a cracking good colt and stamped incredibly by Zousain, with that trademark walk his progeny have inherited.”