Ucalledit (NZ) a Stakes Star in Queensland

Previously a four-race winner from 12 starts in New Zealand, low-priced Karaka graduate Ucalledit (NZ) (Zacinto) has gone to a new level since crossing the Tasman.

Bought for only $15,000 by Kevin Myers from Book 3 of Karaka 2019, the Zacinto gelding scored a smart win in Saturday’s A$200,000 Listed Lough Neagh Stakes (1400m) at Eagle Farm. His 19-start career has now produced eight wins, five placings and A$318,360 in stakes.

Ucalledit was bought by Australian Bloodstock after a win at Riccarton in November of 2021, and in his first two starts for new trainer Kris Lees, he finished fourth and fifth on heavy tracks in Sydney in March and April.

But he has been a revelation in Queensland this spring, winning four of his five starts including Saturday’s superb stakes win.

Ridden by Michael Cahill, the hot favourite sat just behind the pace before putting the result beyond doubt with a smart turn of foot in the straight. Ucalledit stretched out to win by just under two lengths.

“He has come a long way, and he has just kept improving since he has come here,” said Mel Eggleston, who manages Kris Lees' Gold Coast operation.

“The horse is just a gentleman. He is a real racehorse and is no bother. He just goes about his business and just takes everything in his stride. He is a lovely big strong horse that is sound and he makes his own luck.”

“He is a horse that could race once a month and it would suit him, and Kris said we might just space his runs and head towards the Buffering (1350m) at Doomben on New Year’s Eve. But, when this race came up light, he said they’re not going to get any easier and he threw the nomination in. It has proved a great call.”

Ucalled it was bred by Bill Lawton and was offered by Grangewilliam Stud at Karaka three years ago.