On October 13, 2024, Zaine claimed a decisive revenge over her rival Olympic Story by winning the Prix Magne, a Group III race at Auteuil. This victory in a Group race for 3-year-old fillies marks a turning point in the season for the filly trained by Dominique Bressou, who had been beaten by Olympic Story in their previous meeting (the Prix de Chambly, Gr.3). Thanks to better race management and a refined race strategy, Zaine dominated the competition on Auteuil’s heavy ground under the guidance of jockey Gabin Meunier.
Tactical race data
Zaine adopted a more strategic approach than in her last encounter with Olympic Story. The heavy ground, with a penetrometer reading of 5 on October 13, was new territory for this filly, who had only three races under her belt before this (one victory and two second-place finishes). However, she adapted to the conditions and used the total race distance of 2¼ miles (3,600 meters) more efficiently to secure her first win at the Butte Mortemart racecourse. According to tracking data, Zaine covered a total distance of 2.216 miles (3,566.05 meters), which reflects her strong positioning from the start. In comparison, Olympic Story ran 2.219 miles (3,571.28 meters). Zaine’s race was highly consistent, with 536 strides, and her ability to accelerate at key moments made the difference. For example, Zaine increased her speed from 29.8 mph to 31.6 mph between the final two fences, while Olympic Story slowed from 29.6 mph to 29.2 mph over the same segment. Zaine also gained ground over the 10 hurdles on the course, where she made up distance several times.
A decisive acceleration in the final 600 meters
The race’s outcome was decided in the final stretch, between the last 600 and 200 meters. Zaine delivered a more pronounced acceleration compared to her previous duel with Olympic Story. Over the last 200 meters, Zaine maintained her pace, while Olympic Story began to struggle. This difference allowed Zaine to take the lead, whereas Olympic Story, trained by François Nicolle, had looked like a contender for the win. It’s also important to note that Olympic Story was carrying 150 pounds (68 kg) compared to Zaine’s 143 pounds (65 kg), which contributed to the final outcome. This weight difference, combined with the other race data, helped Zaine secure a comfortable 9-length victory over her rival.
Stride analysis and effort management
Tracking data also reveals that Zaine managed her effort more efficiently throughout the race. She completed the course in 536 strides, with an average stride length of 21.8 feet (6.65 meters). Her runner-up, Olympic Story, covered her 2.219 miles in 568 strides, averaging 20.6 feet (6.28 meters) per stride.
However, in the race on September 19, where Olympic Story won, she covered 2.201 miles (3,542.67 meters) in 525 strides with an average stride length of 22.1 feet (6.74 meters), while Zaine ran 2.2 miles (3,539.72 meters) in 512 strides, with a stride length of 22.7 feet (6.91 meters). This slight improvement in Zaine’s stride length, though marginal, demonstrates that she has become more efficient on challenging ground. Her strides lengthened particularly in the home straight, where she unleashed her full power to overtake Olympic Story and secure her revenge.
Despite the heavy ground, Zaine adapted remarkably well to the conditions, confirming her potential for future top-tier races at the temple of jumps racing, establishing herself as a filly to watch.
Chloé Humbert
Crédit photo : Scoop Dyga