Annabel Neasham has a decision to make in the coming days, with plans for superstar gelding Zaaki slightly up in the air as the spring approaches.
Having planned to resume the eight-year-old in the Tramway Stakes (1400m) on September 3, the way he trialled on Friday morning at Rosehill Gardens has Neasham thinking about starting him in the first Group 1 of the new season – the Winx Stakes (1400m) in eight days’ time.
Neasham told Sky Racing that the Cox Plate favourite is right on track for the Moonee Valley feature at the end of October, so his campaign is likely to kick off a few weeks later than a number of returning Group 1 horses.
Zaaki finished third in Friday’s trial behind tearaway leader Overpass and the Chris Waller-trained Ranch Hand.
READ: Overpass scorches turf in Rosehill trial
Ridden by Tommy Berry, Zaaki was allowed to go through the motions under lock and key, pleasing his trainer greatly.
“He might hold a nom for the Winx Stakes,” Neasham said.
“He just always trials well. He’s blown off really well in the wind.
“Tommy just let him bowl along today with his ears priced – he just sat on him quietly – but he’s right where we want him.”
Overpass for @BBakerRacing went like a rocket
in an impressive trial win at #RosehillGardens which featured plenty of big names.
Could he be a contender to gain a slot in the $15 million #TABEverest on 15 October
pic.twitter.com/JRMkn2n41s
— Australian Turf Club (@aus_turf_club) August 11, 2022
While the Winx Stakes is an option, it is unlikely we will see Zaaki resume next Saturday, with the Tramway Stakes high on the agenda given he won the race with ease 12 months ago.
“He’s probably likely to go to Tramway first-up – like we did last year – there is the Chelmsford as well, but his targets will be a little bit later on in the prep, so we’ll just let his runs bring him on,” Neasham continued.
“He always runs well fresh, so wherever he goes, he’ll be very competitive.”
Should Zaaki bypass next weekend’s Group 1 at Randwick, Neasham won’t be left empty-handed.
Mo’unga hasn’t won since taking out the Winx Stakes last year, but in just six runs since, he has placed at Group 1 level three times and finished fourth in the Cox Plate.
As is customary for the five-year-old son of Savabeel, he failed to beat a runner home at the Rosehill trials on Friday, but Neasham insists that once the blinkers go on for the races, he will know what his job is.
“He’s always hard to read off a trial,” the trainer said.
“He wouldn’t have blown a candle out when he came back – he looks terrific.
“Blinkers on, he’ll know it’s raceday next Saturday.”
Mo’unga is currently on the third line of betting for the Winx Stakes at $6 with Neds, while Zaaki is the joint $5 favourite for the Cox Plate alongside last year’s winner, State Of Rest.
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