Awesome £650,000 horse with ‘a hell of an engine' instantly made Royal Ascot favourite after astonishing debut
THIS awesome £650,000 horse with 'a hell of an engine' was instantly made a Royal Ascot favourite after an astonishing debut.
Word had been strong for Karl Burke's Wathnan-owned two-year-old filly Zelaina ahead of her bow over 5f at Nottingham.
1
Zelaina was instantly made a Royal Ascot favourite after absolutely blistering debut at Nottingham
Credit: Getty
But even jockey James Doyle was taken aback by the ease with which she obliterated rivals after bursting out the gates.
Making all, she sauntered over the line ahead of 4-1 Secret Oath, the three-quarter length margin of victory flattering the runner-up.
Punters branded the breeze-up buy an 'absolute weapon' and said she was 'the one we were waiting for' - as bookies immediately made her favourite for the Queen Mary.
Burke and Doyle teamed up to win it with Leovanni last year.
And Zelaina is now Ascot-bound for the Group 2 on Wednesday, the second day of the five-day festival.
Clearly buzzing afterwards, Wathnan's retained rider Doyle said: "She'd been doing the right things at home.
"She wasn't 100 per cent coming here, she's a had a couple of things that meant she needed an easy time.
"But Karl said she's very fast and she's shown she has an engine.
Most read in Horse Racing
"She caught me by surprise out the gates - then up into that stride and away she went.
"She's quite hot so we'll do a few things to iron that out ahead of Ascot.
"But she's got a hell of a big engine and a plenty of pace.
"I was the last person to pull up but she just stood so I let her relax then just trotted her back.
"She took quite a blow at the furlong pole but I expect her to come along fitness-wise.
"She didn't have the perfect prep coming into today… so expect her to improve a lot."
Bookies introduced Zelaina as 4-1 joint-fav alongside Lady Iman.
But they were immediately forced to cut her and now she is a best 7-2 fav with the likes of William Hill.
FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org
.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Read more on the Irish Sun
Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
Never chases their losses
Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed
Gamcare –
Gamble Aware –
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Horoscope today, June 7, 2025: Daily star sign guide from Mystic Meg
OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in March 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes. Read on to see what's written in the stars for you today. ♈ ARIES March 21 to April 20 The contact who loves sharing comedy clips with you could be a serious business partner. So talk or write about your dreams today together. Your boundary- setting zone is sensitive, but also go-ahead. READ MORE MYSTIC MEG If big plans can't happen exactly as you wish, you are flexible enough to find attractive alternatives. 3 Your weekly horoscope for Saturday ♉ TAURUS April 21 to May 21 Firebrand Uranus boosts your independence, while Venus helps you stick up for a change you believe in. A project with some public performance gets closer, and words and music mix in wonderful ways. Read more into a gift from someone you may not know well, yet. Luck opens a violet door. Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♊ GEMINI May 22 to June 21 Hidden hopes and fears grow stronger in the shade today, and sharing them with 'M' lets some light in. But your best adviser now is yourself, don't silence any inner voice telling you where to go. Stepping away from work can help you see a situation more clearly – find the words and actions you'll need. Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♋ CANCER June 22 to July 22 Maybe a travel or study plan is moving faster than you expected – but that doesn't mean you can't keep up. chart encourages playing a little less safe, even if you can't be totally sure of the outcome. A family recently doubled in size has some luck tips to share. Love waits in a 'B' friend's contacts list. Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♌ LEO July 23 to August 23 You are ready to climb high and leave old ambitions behind – as fresh goals come your way from someone younger. This may ask a lot of you, but you have so much to give. Love confidence links to telling the truth, so don't be tempted to lie. Luck links to a pattern of musical notes. Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions Most read in The Irish Sun ♍ VIRGO August 24 to September 22 The moon and Venus sometimes make a confusing communications team – as opposite opinions clash. But your key skill today is winning over all kinds of people. Maybe someone close is changing – but so are you. Together you can create a new normal that's better and more lasting. Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions 3 There's a 'happy ever after' atmosphere in your chart as Venus moves on Credit: Getty ♎ LIBRA September 23 to October 23 Moon resilience helps you bounce back when no one expects it. Second chances are your zodiac speciality, and your natural fairness is bigger than pride. Someone recently relocated, maybe just in the short term, shares a picture that can change everything. Love heads back to its best. Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions List of 12 star signs The traditional dates used by Mystic Meg for each sign are below. Capricorn: Aquarius: Pisces: Aries: Taurus: Gemini: Cancer: Leo: Virgo : Libra: Scorpio: Sagittarius: ♏ SCORPIO October 24 to November 22 Confidence rises in passion terms and in regard to the respect you think you deserve. If people have not matched your hopes, this can change by tonight. While an open-air exercise class or music session inspires love feelings. Your fulfilment chart feels tough, but you'll stay in charge. Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♐ SAGITTARIUS November 23 to December 21 Work through your options today and make a shortlist, based on where you want to go rather than where you've already been. Prizes can feature a sunshine factor, from holiday foods to island locations. Love can start – and be such a surprise – when you spot a workmate in a leisure setting. Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♑ CAPRICORN December 22 to January 20 Surprises of the zodiac now centre on your chart, so be ready to give, and receive, wonderful feelings. Single? There can be a follow-up to a message sent months ago. Mars makes short cuts seem so tempting, especially in terms of physical change. It's vital to tick all boxes, now you've done your best. Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions 3 Mars makes waves at work by questioning why things always need to be done one way – when you see a much better method Credit: Supplied ♒ AQUARIUS January 21 to February 18 You are ready to move from thinking about a family change to making it happen – yes, you have all the ingredients you need. When you add in ability to believe in your own strength, you shift to next-level success. Mars sparks love at first sight, as two style icons pass each other, perhaps in slow motion. Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♓ PISCES February 19 to March 20 Celebrate the small, quiet aspects of love all day – a partner will adore how cherished you can make them feel, with actions rather than gifts. Single? Someone who seems almost dull at first, is hiding a heart of gold. The Mars effect encourages outrageous menus – and prize-winning flavours. Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Templegate's Derby tip: ‘He's extremely impressive and has way more to come' – My NAP on a huge day at Epsom
TEMPLEGATE tackles a massive Saturday of racing confident of smashing the bookies. The big race of the day - the year, even - is the Derby and 19 runners go to post for the 3.30 live on ITV1 - although Our man goes through every single runner and reveals his 1-2-3-4 Derby prediction in his brilliant You'll find all his picks below, so grab yourself a free bet offer and back a horse simply by clicking their odds. PRIDE OF ARRAS (3.30 Epsom, nap) He was extremely impressive when winning the Dante at York last time on just his second outing. That was his first start for nine months and he burst through the line to suggest this longer trip will be fine. His high draw could be tricky but not impossible and he has more to come. DOCKLANDS (1.35 Epsom, nb) He has some fancy Group 1 form including his second in the Queen Anne at last year's Royal Ascot. He was sent all over the globe after that with solid results and ran a solid comeback at Ascot last time. He'll be fitter for that and has won on quick and slow ground. VALVANO (4.15 Epsom, treble) He showed lots of promise last season and returned with a solid fourth at Goodwood last time. He should improve for that fitness wise and he handles any ground. Most read in Horse Racing Templegate's TV verdicts EPSOM 1.00 IF it comes up properly soft by racetime, Sparks Fly would be a cracking bet given her superb record in testing conditions. But assuming it's good to soft or quicker, ROYAL DRESS is the one to be on. She was an unlucky third in this last year before striking in this grade at The Curragh. She has since held her own in better races including when third at York last time. William Buick is an eyecatching booking too. Bermuda Longtail looked promising when beaten half a length in a York Listed contest last month and has much more to come. She gets plenty of weight for age too. Skellet progressed last season and is another who should be capable of better for Ralph Beckett. 1.35 DOCKLANDS has some fancy Group 1 form including his second in the Queen Anne at last year's Royal Ascot. He was sent all over the globe after that with solid results and ran a solid comeback at Ascot last time. He'll be fitter for that and has won on quick and slow ground. Persica didn't fire in the Lockinge last time but took a Newmarket Group 3 easily enough on comeback and has won here before. Ryan Moore's a good booking and he's a big threat. Royal Playwright gets the best part of a stone from his older rivals and didn't get the run of the race in the Dante last time. He could take a major step forward here. Royal Dubai wasn't disgraced at Ascot last time and looks the pick of the bigger prices. 2.10 AGAINST THE WIND could be the answer to this tricky puzzle. He has plenty of weight but has been running well with a Thirsk win followed by a fine York third last time. He gets away quickly so should be suited by this track. Naana's Sparkle ran a nice race at Goodwood last time when third and showed lots of pace. He looks on a fair mark. Ruby's Profit got the better of Mademoiselle in that race and they should both be right at home here too after showing a lot of boot. Tees Aggregates saves his best for Catterick so should love Epsom which is another tricky track. He may not be quite good enough to win but could be an each-way bet if you can get extra places. Blinky won a couple on the all-weather before a decent third at Chester last time. A repeat of that would put him in the place picture from what should be an ideal draw. 2.45 JER BATT always faced a tough task from a wide draw at Chester last time yet still ran a good race. He has some fine handicap form over this trip yet is still on a fair weight and the booking of Oisin Murphy is a plus. He'll be right there. Clarendon House is quirky but has enough quality to figure if he fancies it. He went well in the Group 3 Palace House at Newmarket last time. Last year's winner Dream Composer was also badly drawn at Chester latest but looked much better when second at Pontefract on comeback. He can figure again. Jm Jungle has been placed in hot York handicaps on his past two outings. He likes this trip and is a quick starter so has every chance. Vintage Clarets showed positive signs on the Knavesmire latest and is in the each-way picture too. 3.30 PRIDE OF ARRAS was a brilliant Dante winner at York and has more to come. French raider Midak looks overpriced, while Lambourn would have a say if the rain comes. And you never rule out Ryan Moore on Delacroix , especially as the jockey was simply brilliant on Minnie Hauk in the Oaks. Read my Templegate's tips FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Read more on the Irish Sun Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
The Irish Sun
6 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Lousie Redknapp, 50, wows fans as she shows off her toned body in a bikini on girls' holiday
LOUISE Redknapp wowed fans as she posed in a bikini top on her girls' holiday to New York. The 50-year-old star shared a snap of herself enjoying the sunny weather in the Big Apple. Advertisement 5 Louise Redknapp looked stunning in holiday snaps from New York Credit: Instagram 5 Her and a pal stripped off in the Big Apple Credit: Instagram 5 Louise posted photos from her rooftop pool Credit: Instagram Throwing her hands in the air, Louise flaunted her toned figure in the top and low cut shorts. She captioned her shots: "A little girls trip with Sue." Fans were quick to comment on her holiday snaps, with one saying: "Wow u look incredible". Another said: "Still stunning after all these years!" Advertisement READ MORE ON LOUISE Louise found love again almost two years ago with boyfriend Since then, they've appeared inseparable, often enjoying music events and spending their summers attending festivals, including Glastonbury and Boardmasters. If Louise hasn't been going to festivals, she's been performing at them, with the singer launching a comeback with her Greatest Hits celebrating her career to date. She's also just released her Advertisement Most read in Celebrity Breaking The Strictly winner was with ex Jamie Redknapp for 20 years and they share two sons. 'What's great is (Drew) is brilliant on a friendship level with the boys,' she told The Sun last month. Louise Redknapp says she felt 'the lowest a human could get' when she split from husband Jamie and 'almost gave up' 'They get on great with him. And that, for me, is super-important. There's just a real mutual respect there. Obviously Beau is still at school, but we spend a lot of time together.' The nine-year age gap inevitably led to Drew being described as her 'toyboy' and Louise being referred to as a 'cougar'. Advertisement But it's 'water off a duck's back,' she added. 'For me, age is irrelevant – within reason – but he's not 22. I think it's more about the person and the life experiences and the connection that's important.' However, Louise isn't thinking about walking down the aisle a second time. 'Oh, I'm not even thinking that far ahead. I'm not even going there. Manifesting is a real hint to Drew. Advertisement 'I'm not going to lie and say it isn't. But it's also a life lesson to be present in the here and now, so I'm not thinking down the line. I'm enjoying my relationship, my kids, my album and my life." After their split her ex Jamie went on to marry model 5 Louise with boyfriend Drew Credit: Instagram 5 Louise with sons Charley, 20, and Beau, 16 Credit: Instagram Advertisement
