Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Zou Sensation will contest the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday, July 25, as trainers Leon Corstens, Troy Corstens and Will Larkin begin a Victorian-only campaign designed to revive the gelding's best form.
The 1200-metre sprint could start a path towards the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield. Zou Sensation has drawn barrier eight in the nine-horse field and will be ridden by Jamie Mott.
His local campaign follows another weather-dependent racing decision, with Barber set for Randwick after clear skies lifted Richard Litt.
Interstate Racing Ruled Out
Zou Sensation finished fifth at Scone in May before beating only one runner home in the Group 2 Moreton Cup at Brisbane on June 6. Earlier Queensland starts at the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast had also produced midfield finishes.
“He will never travel again, it just doesn’t suit him,” Troy Corstens stated.
The sprinter has since returned to Flemington and completed two Werribee trials. He ran fourth behind Hard Kick and Cruiserweight on July 3 before defeating Evaporate over 800 metres last Friday.
“He trialled really well on Friday morning,” Troy Corstens said. “He pulled up well, he’s come through it well and we’re looking forward to seeing him at Caulfield on Saturday.”
Group 1 Target Remains in View
The Bletchingly Stakes will tell the stable whether Zou Sensation can progress towards the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes over 1400 metres. The Group 2 Peter Lawrence Stakes is another possible next start.
Saturday's field also includes former Perth gallopers Cosmic Crusader and Aztec Ruler, who will make their Victorian debuts from barriers one and three. Race information is available through Racing Victoria.