Returning after a setback Bennett Racing 5yo Zou Sensation produced an explosive win at Caulfield 28/6/25. The big boy hadn’t raced since 10th May when beaten only 1.6L at Caulfield but it was discovered soon after that he had a virus. The Malua Team got on top of that and he was seen trialing impressively leading up to Caulfield.
Resuming with a clean bill of health, Zou Sensation looked well placed and drawn down on the fence. The track bias seemed to be horses off the fence and down the middle advantaged. On jumping Zou Sensation was fairly away and Dan Stackhouse let him cruise through to be midfield to the turn about 4 lens from the lead. Stacky was mindful to get off the rails and when a huge gap presented off the fence, he drove the gelding through. Keep Your Cool had skipped away but Zou Sensation was giving chase – the rest of the field out of it. Big Zou built up the revs and despite ducking in at the 100m he gobbled up the leader and went on by to score a strong victory in the time of 1m11.84s – 1.44 lens better than standard.
This was a wonderful win for this big boy – again showing his real zest for racing. He seems to race really well early in his preps and also off a freshen. He has become a genuine Saturday Class Sprinter and doesn’t have to improve much to be an Open Class Speedster.
Since his wind op in mid 2023 he has now had – 16 starts for 4 wins (3 Melb Metro), 3 x 2nds (All Metro), 2 x 3rds – $314,800. His overall record is 23 Starts 5-3-4 Prizemoney $376,150. He is a 4 time Metro Winner and Stakes Placed.
Yet another Bennett Racing horse by Champion Sire Zoustar, Zou Sensation was a 150k Magic Millions purchase from Widden Stud. He is the only one to race for his dam the Danehill Dancer mare Dame Claire (NZ ) who was a winner of the Listed VRC Andrew Ramsden Stakes and also the Listed MRC RM Ansett Classic. Certainly bred to stay a distance Dame Claire comes from the family of smart stayer Horrifying and International Group winners many bred by The Aga Khan incl Arcangues, Agathe, Aquarelliste, Artiste Royal, Annenkov, Alamo Bay, Australie, Forgotten Voice, Angara, Actrice, Arlesienne, Galatee, Cape Verdi etc
A ¾ sister to Zou Sensation by Zousain was purchased by Bennett Racing at the 2024 Magic Millions Sale from vendors Kulani Park. The rising 3yo filly named Zouclaire has had 2 runs finishing a close up 2nd on debut in the Magic Millions 2yo Race at Caulfield before an unplaced run up in Queensland.
Congratulations to all owners in Zou Sensation who’s patience has been rewarded and a big thankyou to the Team at Malua Racing.