A textbook ride by Jake Bayliss helped the Matt Hoysted-trained OCEAN ZAR cause a boilover at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Paying as much as $40-1 on the tote, OCEAN ZAR slipped under the radar in the 1600m BM70 contest, despite an exemplary record at the track (13:4-3-1), including victory over the mile in Class 5 company last preparation.
Beginning from barrier 3 on Saturday, the daughter of ZOUSTAR was only steadily into stride but pinched runs along the rails to position three lengths from the pace rounding the home turn.
Bayliss was then able to switch off heels and obtain clear running at the 400m mark which allowed OCEAN ZAR to dash to the front and hold off all comers under a considerable impost of 60kg.
“I felt she really had an opportunity to step up today being back to her favourite track on good ground and she did,” Hoysted said.
“She produced a very convincing win in the end which was pleasing because she’s been a mare that’s had a lot of bad luck in her career.
“Thankfully, everything worked out perfectly today.”
This was the 6yo mare’s second success at Saturday metropolitan level and takes her total earnings past $230,000 – a healthy return on the mere $20,000 Proven Thoroughbreds paid for her at the 2021 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale.
OCEAN ZAR becomes Proven’s 28th winner for season 2025-26.
