Winning Stack newcomer creates good impression

Zihba was the second winning newcomer at Dundalk today, as the Fozzy Stack trained colt put in a fine performance to win the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden under jockey Bill Lee.

The well supported 15/8 second favourite and son of Choisir raced prominently throughout and in the end moved past 85 rated Port Lions (8/11 favourite) inside the final furlong before eventually scoring a length and a quarter win.

Lee later commented “he did it well; first time out you would always be a bit worried that they would be a bit green but he was very professional.

“He jumped and travelled away beautiful through the race, and turning in I always thought I had Pat (Smullen, on Port Lions) covered. He picked up beautifully and went to the line well.

“He’s going to improve plenty and is a nice horse for the future. I only hit him one crack coming up the stands side to make sure he was in full concentration but he won with a bit in hand.”

Zihba holds an entry in next May's Irish 2,000 Guineas.

Quotes from Alan Magee