Susan Is her Name shocks Keayang Zahara in mares mile

The unbeaten streak of 15 wins for wonder mare Keayang Zahara came to end on Saturday night when she was outsprinted by Susan Is Her Name (Sebastian K) in the Group 1 $100,000 Slingsby Holdings Macarthur Mile at Menangle Park.

In a fascinating race, Keayang Zahara who was a very short priced favourite commenced brilliantly from barrier 4 and driver Glen Craven had no hesitation is allowed the mare to take the lead.

Susan Is Her Name has made a few mistakes early in her career but at Menangle she commenced safely and driver Mark Pitt allowed her to take the trail behind the leader. Queenslander Golden Sunset broke up soon after the start and I’m Ready Jet settled back in fifth position.

It was obvious a long way from home that the front two were going to have the race to themselves. Keayang Zahara still looked to be travelling quite comfortably on the home bend and at this point Pitt eased Susan Is Her Name out and she started to lay down the gauntlet. And to the surprise of most on the track, Keayang Zahara could not hold off the challenge and Susan Is Her Name urged on by Pitt won by just under four metres from Keayang Zahara with the American bred mare Aldebaran Acrux 17 metres away in third.

SUSAN IS HER NAME MAY 10 REPLAY

The winning mile rate of 1.51.6 was only one tenth of the track record.

Despite the upset result Pitt wasn’t at all surprised.

“I came here with full confidence. Keayang Zahara is a great horse and hadn’t been beaten yet but I thought if we could back behind her or in front and she was outside us she would have had to been on her A game to beat us.”

“She’s very lightly raced this mare, but she’s very good. She’s got that much speed and strong as well. But it’s that point to point speed. She’s electric.”

“I think she’ll head to the Inter Dominion but connections will release more after tonight. I wasn’t that surprised.”

Susan Is her Name is raced by Brisbane identity Bruce Wyborn who bred the mare. The win made amends for Wyborn’s filly Why Tanya Sue who broke up and lost all chance in the Trotters Oaks earlier in the night.

Susan Is her Name has always shown ability as a younger horse but injuries set her career back. Her Menangle win was her first in top class company and she could not have been more impressive in accounting for Keayang Zahara.

Keayang Zahara ran a gallant race and on the night just found Susan Is Her Name too sharp.  It will be interesting to see if connections will still focus on the Inter Dominion in Brisbane in two months time.

The win completed a double for Mark Pitt and trainer Emma Stewart as earlier in the night they combined with exciting pacer The Narcissist (Always B Miki) who is now unbeaten in eight appearances since joining the Emma Stewart stable.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink