The Racing and Sports Wakeful Stakes has been won by Zennzella with a strong staying performance.
The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace stable would like to give Zennzella the opportunity at Group 1 success following her win in the Racing and Sports Wakeful Stakes at Flemington.
Eustace said the stable would monitor the filly's condition before deciding whether to tackle the Group 1 Victorian Oaks (2500m) at Flemington on Thursday after taking out Saturday's Group 2 assignment over 2000m.
Ridden by James Mcdonald, Zennzella ($10) scored a long neck victory win from Pavitra ($9) with As Time Goes By ($4.60) two lengths away third.
The Wakeful has been the best guide to the Oaks with last year's winner Willowy taking the double.
Others to complete the double in the past 12 years include Miami Bound (2019), Aristia (2018), Kirramosa (2013) and Brazilian Pulse (2010).
Eustace said Zennzella's preparation had been rushed to get her to the stage of winning the Wakeful and would not commit to an Oaks start.
"We'll see how she is," Eustace said.
"We've always felt she's a nice filly, we've just been very patient with her.
"We were keen not to kick her off on heavy tracks and so we had to bite the bullet and run on the synthetic. She won well and she just thrived from that run, so we came here today quite confident.
"I've got to say James gave her the most beautiful ride. He just waited and waited, conserved energy and that was the key."
A number of the ownership group of Zennzella also have shares in Loft who had been second favourite in Tuesday's Melbourne Cup until he was ruled out with a tendon injury on Friday.
Part-owner Ozzie Kheir said Zennzella's win was a nice 'pick-me-up' following the events of the previous 24 hours.
"There has been a little bit of emotion in the last 24 hours, so to get a win like that, which was a little unexpected, is great," Kheir said.
"I was hoping she would run top three, so I'm very happy to get the win."
After breaking her maiden last start, Zennzella proves too classy in the G2 Wakeful Stakes @cmaherracing @mcacajamez pic.twitter.com/NOJ5zKqOg3
— Racing.com (@Racing) October 29, 2022
