New Zealand Racing, 2009-10

[_ed_]

That was a great performance! I'll post replays of that race, Banchee's amazing G2 win and today's awesome G1 soon.

But first, another Derby horse...

HANDSOME ZULU

3 g Handsome Ransom - Bionic Eagle
8 starts - 1 win, 3 seconds
Trainer: John Sargent
Odds: 14-1

Replays:
Best: Wellington Stakes (2nd): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vcezz7ngkrY
Last start: 3yo & 4yo Handicap (4th): http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xce...zulu-4th_sport

+ Excellent performances in G1 Levin Classic (6th) and G3 Wellington Stakes (2nd)
+ The way he finished over 1600m in the Wellington Stakes suggested he'll stretch out over more distance easily
+ Sargent/Du Plessis team in outstanding form this summer

- Although unlucky last start, you would like a horse to go into the Derby with stronger last-start form than a fourth in a minor handicap (but that race was won by the G1-placed Juice)
- Just one win from eight starts

Verdict: Seems to be improving all the time and will probably be peaking on Derby day. But with less winning form than many of his hugely talented rivals in the Derby and an uninspiring performance last start, there are others that appeal more in what looks like an amazing Derby field.