Racing: Stakes races in the tea leaves for Zabeel gelding Choysa

Black type programme beckons Zabeel's in-form son Choysa. Photo / Darryl Sherer

Stakes races are calling for Zabeel gelding Choysa after his daring last-start win at Flemington.

The Monovale Farm-bred and owned seven-year-old was set alight early in last Saturday's Trevor Clarke Handicap (2500m) by jockey Kate Walters, who amassed a lead of more than 20 lengths at some stages of the race in Melbourne.

Trained by her father Wayne Walters, Kate's riding tactics paid dividends when the pair were able to outstay their rivals in the straight, winning by nearly three lengths.

"It was a great result for the farm and great to get a win at Flemington," Monovale Farm's Joe Smithies said.

"He's by Zabeel out of a Redoute's Choice mare so he is in his prime at the moment and his race record has been huge."

The Smithies have taken a patient approach with Choysa, who began his career in New Zealand five years ago where he picked up one win from eight starts.

"He's a horse we always knew was going to be handy in time, he just took a while to develop," Smithies said. "He's a typical staying type and we have just given him time."

Smithies said it was great to get the win with trainer and long-time family friend Wayne Walters, who trains several horses for Monovale Farm.

"We spread horses out among trainers in New Zealand and Australia, but Wayne is a good family friend of ours and he does train a few for us."

Choysa's Flemington victory has fuelled the fire for the Smithies family who are eyeing possible black-type with their gelding.

"We'll just see how he pulls up over the next few days," Smithies said.

"We know he is capable of city class now. We have probably known that for a while but have opted to build him up slowly."

Choysa has won 11 races and A$234,000 in prizemoney.

- NZ Racing Desk