Turangga Farm has announced a new service fee for former outstanding two-year old Zizou who is set to commence his second season at the Stuart Ramsey owner nursery.  His 2009 fee is $13,200 (inc gst), a 20% decrease on last year.

Zizou (Fusaichi Pegasus), was the highest-rated juvenile of the 2006/2007 season having run second in both the G1 Golden Slipper and the Blue Diamond Stakes.  He was also runner up in the G2 Todman Slipper and G3 Blue Diamond Prelude.

Zizou was well received by broodmare owners last year and served over 60 mares including 12 black type winners and G1 Emirates Stakes winner Sky Cuddle.

Following his first season, the Fusaichi Pegasus stallion briefly returned to work for a tilt at the G1 Oakleigh Plate, but was never a factor in the race won by Swiss Ace.

Turangga Farm’s Warren Park said the fee reduction was to assist broodmare owners in the current economic climate.  “He was very popular last year and we are expecting more of the same again this season,”  Park said.  “His fertility rate was over the 90% mark.”

Park added that the reason behind Zizou’s Oakleigh Plate run was due to the horse’s temperament.  “He came to stud very immature, but was still very fit so we decided to roll the dice and give it a go,” Park said.  “Nothing ventured, nothing gained, but that was always going to be his one and only run.”

Zizou hails from a quality two-year old family that has produced Golden Slipper winner Forensics, G1 Toorak Handicap winner Rewaaya and leading first season sire Not A Single Doubt.

The announcement of Zizou’s new fee comes hot on the heels of Turangga Farm’s exceptional season with juveniles.  The Hunter Valley based farm successfully bred Golden Slipper runner-up Headway, Savabeel’s first stakes-winner My Emotion and recent Canterbury winner El Sonado who looks a stakes winner in the making.

El Sonador (2c Viscount-Boganville by Centaine) ploughed thorough the heavy conditions at Canterbury on April 22 to win on debut.

“He is a lovely colt and there is still plenty of improvement to him,” jockey Tim Clark said.  “I got there a bit too soon, but he was still too good.  It felt like the track was good he got through it so well.  “He’s a quality colt.”

Trainer Jack Denham tipped the colt out for a spell following the run but Park believes the horse has a bright future.  “He is a pretty smart horse and should make a nice three-year old.”