For the notebook: Zazera

Germany has proved to be a good source of talented runners for Shamardal in recent years, courtesy of G1 winner Zazou, G2 Europa-Meile victor Sommerabend and this year’s G3 Dr Busch Memorial winner Amaron – with the latter last seen finishing fourth in a blanket finish in the French Guineas, with just a quarter of a length separating him from the winner.

On 20 May, Zazera – owned and trained by the same team as Zazou – made a very promising start to her racing career when taking the first two-year-old race of the season in Germany by four and a half lengths.

Settled off the pace, the Mario Hofer-trained filly travelled well and once in front, soon moved clear and kept to her task superbly to post a wide-margin victory. There was a further three lengths between the second and third-placed horses.

Bred by Mark Johnston, Zazera is out of the Stakes-placed Woodman mare Woodlass, who has now produced four winners including Black type winner Duke Of Homberg.

Shamardal has over 70 winners to his name already this year, including recent G1 winner Crackerjack King, the aforementioned Amaron and a further 11 Black type performers.