AGENT ZERO Powers Clear for Dynamic Syndications Win 997

There are some race wins that are important because of the class of race. Others because of the prizemoney. Then there are victories that are satisfying because everything unfolded exactly how it was hoped and expected.

That was the case at Canberra on Friday when Dynamic Syndications galloper AGENT ZERO delivered a dominant and confidence boosting victory in Race 5, the SEEARS Workwear Plate over 1600m, a Class 1 & Maiden Set Weights.



Prepared by Australia’s leading stable of Ciaron Maher and ridden with perfect judgment by pilot Jean Van Overmeire, AGENT ZERO proved far too strong over the concluding stages to record a stylish three-quarter-length victory, with another three-quarter-length margin back to third.

The win was an important set for Dynamic Syndications as AGENT ZERO recorded Win 997 overall and our 46th win for this current racing season.

Importantly, the performance suggested there is still plenty more upside to come.

Contested on a Soft 5 surface, the mile event was run in 1:37.27 with the final 600m covered in 35.66 seconds.

Heading into the race there looked to be good speed engaged and the market had focused heavily upon the two runners expected to dominate proceedings, race favourite HAMOON HEROINE and our own AGENT ZERO, who was solidly supported as second elect.

From the outset the race unfolded exactly as anticipated. Both Hamoon Heroine and Agent Zero went forward with the favourite taking the paint and our horse eyeballing it on its outside. As the field worked through the middle stages, the commentator summed up the situation perfectly:

“It's been a cosy lead here for the favourite Hamoon Heroine and it leads Agent Zero, so they're one two in the betting, one two in the race.”

Travelling comfortably throughout, Jean Van Overmeire had AGENT ZERO perfectly poised, stalking the leader whilst conserving energy for the business end of the race.

Behind them several runners were being pushed along approaching the home bend, but importantly our horse was still travelling strongly underneath his rider.

Swinging for home, the race quickly became a match race between the two market elects.

“Around the corner, and the leader, Hamoon Heroine, up on the outside is Agent Zero trying to get to it…”

Once balanced in the straight, AGENT ZERO worked his way to the front before quickly asserting superiority over the final furlong.



“It’s Agent Zero. It drew a head in front…”

Then the telling line: “Agent Zero races clear…”

From there the result was never in doubt. The further they went, the stronger AGENT ZERO became, charging away over the concluding stages to score eased down and with authority.

It was a highly professional victory and one that carried the hallmarks of a horse capable of progressing through the grades.

The post-race commentary perhaps summed it up best: “He can go on to better things.”

That assessment certainly appears accurate. This was not the performance of a horse merely grinding out a country class victory. Rather, this looked the effort of a horse whose class edge became evident placed back into suitable company.

The commentators touched on that aspect after the race when discussing AGENT ZERO’s recent form profile:

“As I said, about four of his last five or six runs have been in listed or group level, whilst he hasn't quite aimed up there. He's never been too far away, so back to a mile; class one; set weights race today, he was certainly well placed.”

That observation is important context to the performance. Connections have always held AGENT ZERO in high regard and the stable has tested him against quality opposition throughout his preparation. Whilst he had not quite broken through at the higher level, he had consistently shown enough ability to suggest a race such as this was well within reach. Back in grade, under ideal conditions, he delivered exactly what was expected.

Importantly, the victory also highlighted the excellent placement and management by Team Dynamic and the Ciaron Maher stable.

The horse was presented in magnificent order. He looked outstanding in the yard, carried terrific condition and raced accordingly. Credit must go to the stable team who continue to do a wonderful job preparing all Dynamic Syndications horses to perform at their peak.

Likewise, Jean Van Overmeire deserves significant praise for the ride.

He had AGENT ZERO relaxed throughout, positioned beautifully outside the speed and when he asserted the pressure from the 600m to make it a staying test, he allowed the gelding to build through his gears rather than asking for an explosive sprint too early.

The timing was perfect. Once AGENT ZERO gained clear air and balanced up, the race was over.

The manner in which he attacked the line over the final stages was particularly encouraging.

Whilst others were feeling the pinch late, AGENT ZERO was actually extending his advantage.

That is always the sign of a horse with fitness, quality and the potential to progress further.

The race also continued a terrific season for Dynamic Syndications Owners who are enjoying another highly successful year on the track.

To record 46 wins for the current season whilst edging ever closer to the significant 1000-win milestone is a tremendous achievement for all involved.

Every victory matters. Every owner shares the excitement. Every success reflects the enormous amount of work undertaken behind the scenes by trainers, stable staff, jockeys and our Dynamic Syndications Team.

Most importantly, these are the moments racehorse ownership is all about. The thrill of seeing your colours travel strongly into a race. The anticipation building as the horse cruises into contention. Then the exhilaration as your runner charges clear in the straight. Especially when the ownership team were advised that we strongly believed their horse would win and support him.



At Canberra, AGENT ZERO provided all of that and more.

And perhaps most excitingly, the feeling there may still be much bigger and better days ahead for this imposing son of Snitzel.


 

CONGRATULATIONS to the Dynamic Team that Own and Race AGENT ZERO: Dynamic Syndications Racing, Mr S D Murray, Mr R Roberts, Mr A Cranes, Mrs P Smith, Stolk Racing, Mollys Racing, Mr S G Hill, Mr D J Harrison, Mr L T Candeloro, Mr A G Mitchell, Mr M K Fenning, Mr G Maris, J A R C C Racing, Ms S T Wilkinson, Mr W J Lake, Mr S R Niven, Mr S L Lamont, Yulestar, Mr C Shanley

by SNITZEL from BENITOITE

Summary: 12-2:3:0    Prizemoney: $124,825

1st of 8 CANB 8May26 1600m Soft5 CL1-SW $22,000 ($13,000) Jean Van Overmeire 57.5kg
Bar 5 Rtg 75 2nd Kindamagic 56kg, 3rd Hammett 59kg 1:37.27 (600m 35.66), 0.84L $2.10.

ONWARDS and UPWARDS ! – FOREVER FORWARDS !