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Zaajel impresses in Forward Gal

3 minute read

Becomes Street Sense’s 76th stakes winner

Street Sense. Picture: Darley.

Shadwell Stable’s homebred Zaajel (3 f ex Asiya by Daaher) impressed when landing Saturday’s Forward Gal Stakes (Gr 3, 7f) at Gulfstream Park becoming the 76th stakes winner for Darley’s Street Sense (Street Cry). 

Trained by Todd Pletcher, Zaajel scored a one and a quarter length victory over Lady Traveler (Quality Road). Wholebodemeister (Bodemeister) was another half length back in third. 

"I was really pleased with the outcome," Pletcher said.  

"I was pretty concerned at the start. She got a little antsy in the gate and missed the break, and she put in a long, sustained run. That's hard to do, especially in her second start going from a maiden to a graded stake. But she's trained like a quality filly and she overcame some adversity today, so we're proud of her."

Zaajel is now unbeaten in two career starts having broken her maiden over course and distance in December. She is out of the Listed placed mare Asiya (Daaher) who has produced four winners from as many runners including the Grade 2 placed Ajaaweed (Curlin). This is also the family of 2011 Hollywood Futurity (Gr 1, 8.5f) winner Liaison (Indian Charlie). 

Street Sense shuttled to Australia for five seasons between 2008 and 2012. His 2021 fee at Jonabell Farm in Kentucky is US$60,000.