Zahspeed proves too strong

Zahspeed picked up the biggest cheque of his career with an authoritative three-length win at Morphettville on Saturday over 1950m.

A bold ride by Matthew Neilson made every post a winner on the Speed 'N' Power gelding and he proved too strong outstaying his rivals for the Saturday metro win.

The win has catapulted Zahspeed to second on the list of prizemoney earned, behind stablemate Bullpit, who is also owned by Steve Pitts, for progeny of the sire.

Trainer Danny O'Brien said he had not heard of the stallion until Bullpit, who won at listed level at two, arrived at his stable.

"It's an amazing story and testament to Steve that he has faith in the sire and he is reaping the rewards with these horses," O'Brien said.

Speed 'N' Power was a $NZ1.6 million yearling purchase at Karaka in 2006 but the striking colt, who is related to Might and Power and Lucky Owners never made it to the track. He now serves a handful of mares each season on the Victoria-NSW border.

Zahspeed's win over 1950m is the biggest distance win for the sire and O'Brien is looking at backing him up over 2400m this Saturday at Caulfield.

"He has won at mid-week level here in Melbourne and if not for a better judged ride he should have won on a Saturday at Moonee Valley over 2040m earlier in the season, so this weekend holds no fears," he said.

"He is a interesting horse as he always begins well and he has such a high cruising speed that if he stays over this trip he will be hard to hold out."

Photo by Terry Hann of Atkins Photogrpahy, to view website click here