The Zou Sensation story rolled on at Flemington on Wednesday as the iron-tough gelding claimed the Listed Kensington Stakes over 1400 metres.
Prepared by Leon and Troy Corstens alongside Will Larkin, the on-pace runner proved his durability at the 11th start of a campaign that has stretched over seven months.
The preparation has already produced five victories, two at Listed level, a Group 2 second placing and competitive top-four finishes in both $1m The Meteorite and The Supernova.
The $105,000 winner’s cheque pushed Zou Sensation past $1 million in career prizemoney, and Troy Corstens made it clear the gelding remains at the top of his game.
“I was actually talking to Will (Larkin) this morning and he said, ‘I reckon I’m going to have a bet today’ and he said, ‘do you think he’s gone (trained) off?’
“I said, ‘mate, he’s as good as he ever is’. But it’s always hard when you’re coming to the end of the preparation and he’s been up for a year.
“He’s just an iron horse. Someone just said to me, ‘are you going to tip him out now’ and I said no. There’s no way I’m tipping him out, he’s going so well, why would you tip him out?”
Zou Sensation found plenty when Steparty ($6.50) laid down a challenge late, showing the same determination that has defined his campaign.
The $4 chance edged clear by a head, while $2.50 bookmakers favourite Persian Spirit settled two lengths back in third.
Jamie Melham, back aboard after a spring absence, praised the gelding’s improved manners and professionalism.
“Today everything was just easy. He was an absolute dream to ride and he was very relaxed,” Melham said.
“That’s how we thought it would play out, the map, and it worked out perfectly.”
Punters can assess future options for Zou Sensation through the Australian betting sites list.