Racing: Zaruela on track to Derby

Mark Walker keeps shaking his head in amazement every time he takes potential superstar 3-year-old filly Zarzuela to the racetrack.

The Matamata-based trainer produced the strapping daughter of stallion sensation Zabeel in outstanding physical condition despite a six-week break from racing to score an effortless victory in the Group Three Waikato Guineas at Te Rapa yesterday.

Zarzuela raced in the middle of the field throughout the running of the 2000m feature and produced a stunning turn of foot in home straight effortlessly reeling in the leaders to score by three-quarters of a length over Corporal Jones.

A further two lengths away third was Jungle Juice.

Walker has done an outstanding job in patiently handling the filly who has scored three wins and two minor placings from seven starts.

Walker's long-term goal this season has been the $2.2 million Telecom New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie on March 6.

The champion trainer has earmarked New Zealand's premier 3-year-old event for the filly - turning his back on the Group One New Zealand Oaks at Trentham.

However Walker's decision making is logical as the filly has effortlessly defeated the colts and geldings in her last two starts and 2400m around the right-handed Ellerslie track will not trouble her.

Corporal Jones lost few admirers finishing second and was left flat footed in the home stretch when the winner sprinted clear quickly after tracking him throughout.

If Walker can keep Zarzuela injury free heading into the Derby it will take an exceptional 3-year-old to defeat her.

However 3-year-old fillies have a poor record in the Telecom Derby - then again - racehorses can't read history books.