Zhukova storms to Blue Wind victory Zhukova blew away her opposition in the Blue Wind Stakes, powering clear in the closing stages to land the Group 3 contest in great style at Naas this evening. The market spoke loudly in favour of Dermot Weld's charge as she was backed from 5/2 this morning and sent to post the 11/10 favourite. Pat Smullen tracked the leaders before asking for an effort turning for home in the ten furlong contest. She picked up front-runner Pretty Perfect two-and-a-half furlongs out and galloped on strongly in the closing stages to record a comprehensive seven-and-a-half length win. The winner was making it two from two for the season having also landed the Listed Alleged Stakes at the Curragh on her return last month. "That was an impressive performance. My present thoughts are to leave her off now for a summer break, and hopefully she will make up into a Group 1 filly in the autumn,” said Weld. "If we trained her for the Pretty Polly and we get a dry summer it wouldn't suit as she likes a little ease in the ground. “She's effective at ten furlongs but is probably even more comfortable going a mile and a half. "She's a very big filly, still unfurnished, and when she fills into her frame she will be a serious contender for any of those fillies and mares races. “The Fillies and Mares race on Champions Day at Ascot could well be a target." (Quotes by Alan Magee)
