Zabeel's Son Reset takes Australian Guineas

Reset is unique of Zabeel's 26 group I winners in that the Australian Guineas (Aust-I) winner was foaled in Australia, the others in their sire's native New Zealand.

Before entering Cambridge Stud in the Waikato in 1991, Zabeel had as his career highlights two major successes over the Flemington mile -- in the Australian Guineas and Craiglee Stakes (Aust-II).

The influence by Sir Tristram's favored son on the Guineas is such that with nine generations of classic age, Reset is his third winner of the $750,000 (Australian funds) feature for 3 year-olds.

Unbeaten in three post-Christmas starts across town at Caulfield, Reset was a 9-4 public elect when the 10 contenders broke from the gates. Dan Nikolic posted him just off a solid speed set by Bushido, Reset was fourth and poised into the final bend.

The colt raced to the lead in mid-stretch and held off a determined challenge from first crop Soviet Star colt Starcraft to win by a long neck. Under the Bridge was closest of the others at the wire, 3 1/4 lengths away. The consistent third placegetter is by Scenic's Victoria Derby (Aust-I) winner Blevic.

Reigning Flemington Derby winner Elvestroem was a little distressed after his slogging fourth. The race was run in extremely hot conditions of 106° farenheit (41° celcius), the gross of 1:34.57, 57/100ths outside of the race mark. The winner didn't come through unscathed, losing a tooth in an altercation with the starting machine prior to the start.

Reset is the second foal of dual group I winner Assertive Lass. The Zeditave daughter won the Flight at mile of Randwick and defeated the older distaffers over 1,500 meters of the Coolmore Classic. Her group I winner cost $150,000 at the 2002 Australian Easter yearling sale.