BC Internationals: Mile contender Zelzal

Those of us old enough to have gone down in flames with even-money favorite Zilzal in the 1989 Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) at Gulfstream might have unwanted flashbacks by the sight of this fellow’s name, but don’t let that put you off this tantalizing 20-1 shot. Zelzal looked like a serious animal last summer, and Saturday could well offer his optimal conditions at long last.

By the great Sea the Stars and out of the beautifully bred Kingmambo mare Olga Prekrasa, Zelzal is trained by the prolific Jean-Claude Rouget. France’s perennial leading trainer, Rouget has regarded the colt very highly from the beginning.

Apparently the word was out, for the Al Shaqab runner was hammered into odds-on favoritism in his first two starts on the all-weather early in 2016. In his debut at Deauville (click link for replay), he demonstrated a smart turn of foot coming off the turn and drew away under a hand ride by six lengths.

Zelzal was arguably even more impressive next out at Chantilly. Traveling keenly behind the leader, he was stuck in a pocket, split rivals with an instant burst, and bounded clear. You don’t have to know French to pick up on the announcer’s laudatory “tres facilement.”

With just that newcomers’ race and conditions event to his credit. Zelzal made an audacious turf and stakes debut in the French 2000 Guineas (G1). Despite the massive class hike, his reputation had created such a buzz that he went off as the 5-1 third choice in the mile classic. It was an overreach, however, and he wilted badly after racing to the fore on the stands’ side.

Rouget later said that the straight course didn’t suit Zelzal either. From that point forward, he’s kept to a turn.

Regrouping in a gentler spot in the Paul de Moussac (G3), Zelzal also adopted more patient tactics, and surged to a good-looking victory.