Shez Sinsational takes out Zabeel Classic

By Alastair Bull

AUCKLAND, Dec 26 NZN - The 2012 Melbourne Cup is the long-term aim for Monday's Zabeel Classic winner Shez Sinsational.

Last season's Queensland Derby runner-up secured her first Group One victory when she ran down favourite Veyron to take out the 2000m weight-for-age contest at Ellerslie.

Trainer Allan Sharrock says Shez Sinsational will be freshened for the International Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa, Hamilton, in February before being set for the Auckland Cup (3200m) in March.

"I've thought she was special since the first time she galloped, hence the name," Sharrock said.

"I want to try and win the Auckland Cup to try and qualify for the Melbourne Cup."

Sharrock said the victory was sweet after his father Bob was forced into hospital on Christmas Eve following a heart attack.

"He's well now but this one's for him."

Shez Sinsational has run well without winning this season but clearly enjoyed the step up to 2000m on Monday.

Starting second favourite, Shez Sinsational settled midfield for James McDonald and had too many guns in the straight, winning by a length and a half from favourite Veyron, who had set the pace.

"He had to do a bit of work around the back of the course to get to the front but the winner ran a very good race," Veyron's jockey Leith Innes said.

Former Australian galloper Doctor Fremantle ran well for Sydney jockey Nash Rawiller to take third ahead of Lady Kipling.

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