Leebaz Mirrors Zabeel’s Talent

Kiwi galloper Leebaz (NZ) (Zabeel) captured his second stakes victory on Saturday, winning the A$358,000 Group 2 Sky Thoroughbred Central A.D. Hollindale Stakes (1800m) at the Gold Coast.

Leebaz (NZ) triumphs in the A$358,000 Group 2 Sky Thoroughbred Central A.D. Hollindale Stakes.

A son of Zabeel, Leebaz, which is Zabeel spelt backwards, is the fourth New Zealand-bred horse to win the Gold Coast’s most prestigious black-type race in the last six years, following in the footsteps of Lights of Heaven (NZ) (Zabeel) who won the 2013 edition, Shez Sinsational (NZ) (Ekraar) in 2012 and Metal Bender (NZ) (Danasinga) in 2010.

Finishing second at his last start, Leebaz, trained by Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes, has won seven races from his 17 start and has been runner-up in four races, including in last season’s Group 1 Doomben Cup.

“Everything went according to plan,” commented Michael Hawkes. “He had the blinkers on for the first time and (Jim) Byrne rode him well – we got the job done.

“He will run next in the Doomben Cup which is Saturday week, over 2000m. He ran second in it last year, so we’ll be hoping to go one better this year.”

Taking his first ride on Leebaz, Jim Byrne sent him forward out of barrier 4 to be second in behind front-runner Hooked (Casino Prince). Keeping tabs on Hooked, Leebaz travelled to the outside of the leader until the field approached the turn for home where he challenged from one off the rail.

Leebaz took over as the leader in the straight and powered ahead. Sir Moments (Choisir) approached as a late challenger inside 100m but Leebaz held on for victory by half-a-neck over Sir Moments, who finished in second place, and I’m Imposing (Danehill Dancer) finished in third.

Increasing his prizemoney to A$712,900, the five-year-old gelding is owned by Palmers Island No 1 Pty Ltd, Mr DV Russo, Mr PJ Duggan, Brian Carroll Investments Pty Ltd and B & G McAlister.

Leebaz was purchased at the 2011 Karaka Premier Sale by Hawkes Racing for $460,000 from his breeder Windsor Park Stud.

“He’s a typical Zabeel, an athlete, the type that we have always liked and there’s no better trainer of Zabeels than John Hawkes. He has had four individual Group 1 winners and a second in a Melbourne Cup, so he knows what he is looking at when purchasing at the Sales,” stated Michael Hawkes.

The son of Champion Sire Zabeel is out of stakes winner Polish Princess (Polish Precedent), winner of the Listed Mason Appliances 4YO Handicap. He is a half-brother to Polish Knight (Encosta de Lago), the winner of the Group 2 Tulloch Stakes and runner-up in the Group 1 Australian Derby who was also trained by Hawkes.