The James Cummings-trained Zardozi will look to turn the tables on Pride Of Jenni when the pair clash again in Saturday’s Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington, with stable confidence high that the mare is ready to strike.
Zardozi was beaten into second by Pride Of Jenni in the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes at Caulfield last start, but Cummings’ Melbourne foreman Nacim Dilmi believes the return to Flemington—where she claimed the 2023 VRC Oaks—could be the difference.
“Her third-up run at Caulfield was pleasing, taking on Pride Of Jenni we knew was going to be a task but she hit the line strongly,” Dilmi said.
“Coming to Flemington, a track that she really enjoys, we are looking forward to Saturday. It’s going to be a difficult task, but we managed to do it last year with Cascadian and we believe Zardozi can do it again this time on a track she really enjoys.”
Although Zardozi hasn’t won since her VRC Oaks triumph in November 2023, she’s been a model of consistency in top-level races.
The daughter of Kingman has registered three Group 1 placings and a brave fourth in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup during the spring.
“Since running fourth in the Melbourne Cup she’s come back in such great order, she’s not very big but she’s got such a big heart,” Dilmi said.
Jamie Mott has been booked for the ride on Zardozi in the Australian Cup.
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