Zabeel's Son Reset takes Australian Guineas

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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.