The James Cummings-trained pair of Tom Kitten and Zardozi hit the line locked together in a barrier trial at Rosehill on Tuesday morning, stepping out impressively ahead of a lengthy spring campaign.
In Heat two of the morning, a field of five were sent around over 1000m on the course proper, with Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) and Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) hopeful Zardozi striding to the front under Zac Lloyd.
The four-year-old daughter of Kingman pinged the lids to take up the running but was soon swallowed up by stable companion Tom Kitten in the concluding stages, with the Godolphin duo clearing out by 1.25 lengths back to Francesco Guardi in third.
The current Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) favourite Fangirl was sent around in the same jump-out, with the Chris Waller-trained mare only asked to stretch out under James McDonald to finish 1.58 lengths away in last place.
Fangirl is still well supported with online bookmakers at +200 for the first Group 1 of the season, while Tom Kitten (+2500) and Zardozi (+5000) aren’t fancied, likely to figure over further distance later in the preparation.
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