Zarastro Ready to Launch Spring Campaign in The Heath 1100

Posted on August 29, 2025August 29, 2025 | Posted by TABtouch

Queensland sprinter Zarastro will begin his spring campaign this Saturday in The Henley Homes Heath 1100 at Caulfield, as trainer Tony Gollan looks to build on the gelding’s growing reputation and test him against Victoria’s sprinting elite.

Zarastro is part of Gollan’s Spring team of 6 targeting major races in Melbourne and Sydney, alongside stablemates like Antino, Nettuno, and Freedom Rally. His inclusion reflects the stable’s confidence in his ability to compete at the highest level, particularly in short-course events.

The gelding’s most recent Group 1 outing came in the Kingsford Smith Cup at Eagle Farm, where he finished second behind Group 1 champion Joliestar. The performance was encouraging, showing he could hold his own against top-tier opposition and confirming his potential to be competitive in elite company.

Saturday’s 1100m sprint at Caulfield will be Zarastro’s first major test in Victoria, and it’s expected to feature a sharp field of sprinters. The race is often used as a launching pad for horses targeting Group 1 events like the Moir Stakes, Manikato Stakes, or even The Everest, depending on how they perform early in the spring.

Jockey Angela Jones, who has built a strong partnership with Zarastro, will retain the ride. Her booking for this race marks a significant opportunity to showcase her talent on a major Melbourne stage and potentially set the tone for a breakthrough spring.

Zarastro’s tactical speed and adaptability make him a genuine contender in Saturday’s race, and his performance will be closely watched as a guide to his spring prospects. With Gollan’s team now firmly established in the southern states, Zarastro’s run in The Heath 1100 could be the first step toward a career-defining campaign.