The 5-year-old daughter of Zoustar was tasked with defending the race title claimed by the Marsh-trained Bourbon Empress a year ago and did so courtesy of a patient ride from Matt Cartwright, who had also been aboard last year’s winner.
Marsh was keen to see plenty of speed in the race as that favoured the hard-closing style of his charge and he was happy when he saw pacemaker Midnight Edition being pressured by a wave of contenders approaching the home turn.
"This is a race we wanted to win with her and I just loved how they put the pressure on so far out as she was just stalking [them]," Marsh said.
"She looked awesome beforehand and it is very exciting and rewarding for everyone."
Queen Zou moved effortlessly into contention at the 300m and found another gear as she charged to the lead to beat a brave Son Of Son and Checkmate, who shaded race favourite She’s A Dealer for third.
"It means a lot to us as this is the first horse that Dylan [Johnson, racing manager] and I really stepped out and paid a lot of money for and we’re lucky we have such fantastic and loyal owners," Marsh said.
"I said to the owners that she walks around like a panther and Matt was confident, which is half the battle.
"It looks like the Thorndon Mile will be next for her."
Marsh will be looking to hold on to the Thorndon Mile crown he won with quality mare Provence a year ago when the race is contested at Trentham on January 17.
Cartwright was also full of praise for one of his favourites.
"She is such a beautiful, honest mare and one who is so deserving of a win like this," he said.
"She put the writing on the wall last start [runner-up in the Cal Isuzu Stakes] at Te Rapa.
"We enjoyed a beautiful run, got out at the right time and she just attacked the line.
"She means a lot to me and I was quite excited after the line.
"I feel like she is up to group 1 quality and can take that next step."
Queen Zou was a $A650,000 purchase from the Vinery Stud draft at the 2022 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
She has now won five of her 17 starts and in excess of $328,000 in prizemoney. — LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
