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Find your frequencyWaitak leads weekend winners as War Princess and Zorero shine
Sport Nation • October 12th, 2026 1:36 pm
Waitak after winning the Gr.1 Livamol Classic | Photo: Race Images NZ
Waitak added another major win to his record, while War Princess, Zorero and an upset by Fraudster also made headlines over a busy weekend of racing.
Phillipa Morris told Sport Nation's Scotty & Izzy that Waitak showed his versatility by coming off the speed to chase down Tuxedo, answering questions about his return to 2000m after the Howden Mile.
“What a grand campaigner he's been for Wexford and a real people's horse,” the Trackside presenter said.
Craig Grylls’ ride proved decisive in a close finish, showing his class to get the Gelding over the line.
Waitak’s next target is yet to be confirmed, with a possible summer campaign among the options.
War Princess continued her strong form, winning again as a four-year-old and raising hopes she can secure a Group One victory.
“She just continues to lift and lift,” Morris said. “And I'd love to see her pick up a Group One.”
Zorero also impressed, running down Golden Wings to score a comfortable victory in just his third start. A possible Telegraph in January was discussed as a future target.
The weekend also produced stakes a win for Fraudster, with Jack Taplin recording the first stakes victory of his career. Morris said the plan was to take the lead, set the tempo and build a gap.
“He just rode Fraudster perfectly,” she said.
Fraudster is now being aimed at the 2000 Guineas, although Taplin said he was not yet sure whether he would retain the ride.
Rotorua’s meeting was abandoned after a slip past the post in race three. Morris said the decision was made with safety as the priority. The meeting’s two feature races have been moved to Ellerslie this weekend.
That means horses who prefer racing left-handed will face a different direction of travel at the relocated meeting, but both feature races will remain on the calendar.
Listen to the full interview below:
