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.