Zhukova and Pat Smullen win the Noblesse Stakes © Photo Healy Racing
Zhukova was made to work on her return to action as she reeled in front-running 20/1 shot Island Remede in the Noblesse Stakes at Cork.
Colin Keane gave Island Remede an enterprising ride from the front and had his rivals on the stretch turning for home in the Listed contest.
Zhukova showed her class to overhaul her going to the furlong marker, however, and the Dermot Weld-trained mare stuck on well in the closing stages for a two-length success.
Island Remede just held on by a head for the runner-up spot from Glamorous Approach in the mile-and-a-half contest.
Zhukova was making her first start since finishing mid-division in the Group 1 Champion Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot in October.
The 1/3 winner was adding to two Listed victories and two Group 3 wins achieved last season.
Kris Weld said afterwards:- "That was pleasing - she was a bit idle over the last furlong but you'd imagine she'll improve from the run.
"She's obviously a mare we're very fond of and will be going back up to Group company next - where and when we'll see in a couple of weeks time. The Blue Wind might be a suitable race next, she won it last year and good ground would be fine for her.
"It's fitting she won today as her dam (Nightime) won her maiden here on Easter Sunday before winning the Irish 1,000 Guineas."
Smullen added:- “She has that tendency, when she gets to the front, to run around a bit with me and she did it very very noticeably with me today.
“I think the better class the race the better she'll be, where you get to follow pace longer.
“She just lures you into a false sense of security. At the top of the straight she came off the bridle and you're going nowhere for ten strides, then you give her a squeeze and all of a sudden you are in front.
“I was just in front too soon on her today but as I said a better class race will help you out in that regard.
“She's turned into a fabulous big mare and she's always had a lot of talent. This was a beautiful starting point for her and hopefully she'll build on it.
“Provided there is a little ease in the ground. She went to Ascot and the ground was just too quick for her there.
“She's been a great servant and there is plenty to look forward to this year with her. I think a better class race will bring about more improvement in her.”
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)
