Americain wins the Zipping Classic at Sandown

No firm plans have been made about the future of star stayer Americain who toyed with a small field to win the 2011 Group 2 Zipping Classic (2400m) at Sandown Hillside today.

Part owner Kevin Bamford said he will sit down with fellow owner Gerry Ryan and nut out his future.

Americain will be trained in Australia and won’t be going back to Europe according to Bamford but where he races next is uncertain.

The seven-year-old settled fourth in a field of five led by second favourite Mourayan who set a slow speed. The race quickened prior to the turn and surprisingly bolter Saptapadi, who had settled third,  gain a rails run and hit the front at the 500m.

Both Mourayan and Manighar, who settled outside the leader, came again at the 300m but Americain had them covered.

After a flat spot from the 400m to the 300m, Americain with just one reminder of the whip by Gerald Mosse picked up  and won with plenty in hand.

Americain ($1.55fav) defeated Manighar ($13) by three quarters with Mourayan ($4.80) a head way third.

“We will talk about the options, including stud, the Ranvet, BMW, Hong Kong, Dubai but he probably won’t go back to Europe,” Bamford said.

“If he leaves Australia for a race, he will certainly be coming back.

“I think there are a few people here today because of him and he didn’t let anyone down.”

Americain’s minder Stephanie Nigge comfirmed she would stay in Australia with Americain.

“I was a bit worry beacuse there wasn’t a lot of pace in the race but the straight is long and he did it well at the end,” Nigge said.

Mosse blamed Americain’s fourth in the Melbourne Cup on a hard surface and the big weight of 58kg.

“This horse is special for me, he made me famous in Australia, he has proven he has a serious quality,” Mosse said.

“Today he had a perfect weight and the ground was a bit softer.

“From the 400m to the 300m he had a flat spot, but I have to respect him.

“I showed him my whip and said you better go now or I am going to use it.

“He then turned his engine on, he came next to them and I knew the game was over.”