A son of British mare Kesara will always hold a special place in the heart of trainer Annabel Archibald, and she has now added another chapter to that family connection.

Archibald celebrated victory in the opening event at Bairnsdale on Tuesday with Kaazi, a son of Study Of Man out of the Sadler’s Wells mare Kesara, making him a half-brother to star galloper Zaaki.

Zaaki, by Leroidesaniaux, was a career-defining horse for Archibald – then Annabel Neasham – early in her training career, securing 15 wins from 48 starts, including Group 1 triumphs in the Champions Stakes, All-Star Mile, Doomben Cup, and Underwood Stakes.

While Kaazi still has plenty to prove, the $5.50 chance made an impression at only his second start, scoring a three-quarters-of-a-length win over Blanche Bass ($2.70 fav) after a debut flop at Sandown over 1300m.

Winning jockey Daniel Moor was impressed by the grey’s determination.

“The strongest part of his race was his last 100m,” Moor said. “He’s lightly raced and still learning, but he’s got plenty of upside. With the win today, we can plan a preparation with some prizemoney behind him.”

Zaaki and Kaazi, purchased by Archibald and agent Stuart Boman for 100,000 guineas ($217,000) at the 2023 October Yearling Sale at Tattersalls, are the only Australian runners from Kesara, though she has produced seven other winners internationally.

Racing enthusiasts can explore the latest betting odds ahead of Kaazi’s next appearance.