The Magic Millions staying feature could be ahead for Zennzella after the mare returned to the winners' list for the first time in more than 12 months with victory in the Listed Lord Stakes at Caulfield.
Zennzella stamped herself as a promising filly when she took out the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m) and ran fourth in the VRC Oaks (2500m) five days later during last year's Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Ridden by Jamie Kah, her Lord Stakes (1800m) win comes after she was sold at the 2023 Magic Millions Broodmare Sale in May for $750,000.
"She can lay in under pressure and she is still getting there fitness-wise,"Maher said.
"When Rick Jamieson and the team purchased her I said she's still got a little bit more in her.
"Being a Magic Millions horse she can run in the staying race over 2200 metres which is fairly restricted for good money.
"It doesn't carry the black-type so I'll see what the team want to do."
The $1 million Magic Millions Subzero (2200m) falls on the Magic Millions card at Gold Coast on January 13.
Winless in two starts earlier this year, Zennzella ($2.60 favourite) returned to the track and recorded the fastest sectionals across the board in her third placing in the Group 3 Summond Stakes (1600m) at Caulfield earlier this month.
She held on to beat stablemate Mankayan($15) by a neck.
She's back!
— Magic Millions (@mmsnippets) December 26, 2023
Zennzella (Snitzel-Zennista) wins the LR Magic Millions Lord S. at Caulfield! @jamieleekah07 for @cmaherracing. She was a $750,000 National Broodmare buy for @FARRINGTON_D for @GilgaiFarm from the @NewgateFarm draft. Was originally a @BaramulStud GC Yearling! https://t.co/ixXn15pq2b
On his return to racing, Mankayan pleased Maher with more in store.
"Mankayan was very good late," Maher said.
"He has prepped up really well and hit the line strong.
"He had a bit of an indifferent prep last time but it looks like he's right back on track."