Zifzaf Gets Acid Test in Fourstardave
AJ Suited Racing Stable and trainer James Toner are expecting to give Zifzaf a class test on Sunday in the Grade 2, $150,000 Fourstardave Handicap for older turf horses going 1 1/16th miles.
Purchased at the Keeneland Horses of All Ages Sales in January for $25,000, the 4-year-old War Chant colt so far has been a good investment, earning nearly $65,000 from back-to-back wins under allowance conditions.
"I asked [former trainer] Kiaran McLaughlin about him and he told me he's a nice horse," Toner said. "It has worked out better than what we had expected and we're very happy about that. To have him perform the way he has, it has been a pleasant surprise. We are happy with the results."
Zifzaf is likely to meet Cherokee Artist, Get Stormy, Glowing Praise, Grassy, Nownownow, Pinckney Hill, Public Speaker, Wesley and Whatsthescript in the Fourstardave. Toner knows this race will be a test for Zifzaf, but he's hoping his horse can be a factor.
"He has won two good races and continues to train well," Toner said. "He's a good-looking horse. He's an eye-catcher. We'll take a jump in the water and see what we get. This is a solid group of horses and we are hoping to get a piece of it."
Toner, who is expecting to make his first start of the Saratoga meet on Thursday with Cherokee Speed in the last race, had six winners from just 17 starters during the Belmont Park Spring meet.