Talented sprinter Zamorar returned from surgery for a first-up victory in the Singapore Turf Club Hcp (1000m) at Flemington on Saturday.

The son of Yarradale Stud stallion Scandal Keeper had been on the sidelines since an unplaced finish in the LR Hareeba Stakes at Mornington in February.  “He had a throat operation and has recovered pretty well,” trainer David Bourne said.  “He’s a good horse and has still got the desire so you don’t want them struggling.”

Zamorar (5g Scandal Keeper – Chloris by Scenic) won 4 of his first 8 starts and was then placed in the LR Creswick Stakes, LR Monash Stakes, G3 Bletchingly Stakes, G3 Aurie’s Star Stakes and G2 Lawrence Stakes.

Starting a well-backed favourite, he overhauled the leader Fab Fevola to score by a half head down the straight on Saturday.  “He wasn’t flash away and it was a good effort,” apprentice Katelyn Mallyon said.  “He relaxed really well and stormed over the top of the leaders.”

Bourne bought Zamorar as a foal for $18,000 at the 2009 Inglis Weanling Sale at Newmarket and he has now earned over $332,000.

Scandal Keeper (Danzig – Canny Miss by Marscay) was foaled in Kentucky and is a three-quarter brother to the dam of champion colt Sepoy.  He struggled for numbers early on but had 98 foals on the ground last year.

Yarradale Stud will stand him for a $6,600 (inc gst) service fee this year.