Host filly Zuccherina is heading for a $50,000 Inglis bonus at Grafton’s upcoming carnival after a record-breaking win at Moruya this week.
Zuccherina (2f Host – Pure Sugar by Arena) clocked 59.63s in a 1010 metre maiden which smashed the previous class record of 60.95s. She crossed from a wide gate and sat outside the leader to beat a particularly strong field on the south coast.
“She’s got a stack of ability but needed time,” trainer Luke Pepper said. “She was on the small side as a yearling and we were able to pick her up for $5,000 at the Inglis Classic Sale.”
Zuccherina’s next start is scheduled for July 12 on Grafton Cup day. “My filly has got three year-old written all over her,” Pepper explained. “But she’s eligible for the Inglis 2YO Series so we have to have a crack.”
Zuccherina is from Host’s first crop and she races for a syndicate that includes Peter and Tony Callipari, Joe Carbone and Frank Genua. “The boys are rapt with her,” Pepper said. “I’m training another Host filly for Bert Hatton and she goes all right, too.”
Hatton also raced Zuccherina’s dam Pure Sugar to a Canterbury win before retiring her to stud. She is by Lomar Park sire Arena and is a sister to Sydney stakes performer Allaboutus.
Host (Chi) is stationed at Swettenham Stud and will stand for a $5,000 early-bird fee this year. He is a son of champion sire Hussonet and was a G1 winner of the Chilean 2000 Guineas and Shadwell Turf Mile at Keeneland.
HOST
Sire of record breaking filly Zuccherina