Zoustyle sets up blockbuster George Moore

By Glenn Davis

Tony Gollan’s excitement machine Zoustyle has set up a blockbuster George Moore Stakes next month with a record-breaking win in the Swiss Ace Plate at the Sunshine Coast on Saturday.

Zoustyle, having his first start in 14 months, lowered Tarzan’s previous course record for the 1000-metre dash with a breathtaking 1-3/4 length win over Totally Charmed.

Ridden by Ryan Maloney, the 6YO sizzled home in 55.8 seconds, bettering Tarzan’s track record set four years ago by 0.33 seconds.

Gollan has dominated the TAB Queensland Summer Racing Carnival in recent years and looks like repeating his efforts this year after taking out the Listed Keith Noud Stakes with Tambo’s Mate at Doomben the previous week.

Gollan took great delight from Zoustyle’s win, rating it as something special.

“It was a bit emotional there for a while not just for me but for the entire team,” Gollan said.

“It’s good to see him back and doing so well.

“It was a real satisfying win after the problems he’s had.”

Zoustyle’s career has been plagued with setbacks including a bleeding attack in the Group 3 Maurice Garten at Rosehill in 2020 which required a mandatory three-month spell.

He was later ruled out of last year’s summer with a ligament injury after winning first-up at the Gold Coast in September.

The six-year-old was sent to noted horse healer Lee Evison in Victoria for his rehabilitation.

“Lee brought Vega One back from a serious injury and he won a Group 1,” Gollan said.

“The guy is a genius”

Gollan is at short odds to claim another George Moore Stakes with Zoustyle joining stablemates Baller and Tambo’s Mate in the 1200-metre feature on December 4.

Zoustyle has now won eight of his 12 starts with prizemoney earnings just short of $460,000.

Gollan said Zoustyle had come through his Swiss Ace victory in fine fettle.

“Ryan (Maloney) thought he had a bit left at the finish and he’s come through his race well,” Gollan said.

“He’ll head to the George Moore next in two weeks but if I don’t think he’s where he should be then I might wait a bit longer.”