Slot holder Neds have made a ‘zippy’ decision on a substitute runner in the $1.65m The Phoenix (525m) at The Meadows on Saturday night.
A proactive online racing and sports betting agency, Neds’ ‘11th hour’ call was precipitated due to yesterday’s scratching of its initial selection, Plaintiff.
Champion trainer Jason Thompson withdrew Plaintiff from the $1000,000 to-the-winner ‘boutique’ race due to injury.
Subsequently, Neds chose ‘electrifying’ speedster Zippy Tesla – trained by Bradley Keel – from a ‘reserve pool’ of six. He will occupy Box 5 in the event and is rated a $12 chance.
A winner of 16 races (with 14 seconds and seven thirds) from 51 starts, Zippy Tesla won the ‘first edition’ of the 2022 Group 1 Silver Chief at The Meadows on New Year’s Day.
“At least he’s got a dog immediately inside him that’s going to put pressure on those drawn closer to the rail.”
He was also runner-up in the G1 Adelaide Cup in early October. In all, he’s contested six G1 finals and his total prizemoney is $276,925.
Zippy Tesla has raced over 525m at The Meadows on 21 occasions for seven wins, four seconds and three thirds, with a slick 29.60sec PB. He’s won five of his past 10 starts.
Keel says Zippy Tesla’s win at The Meadows last week has done him the “world of good”.
But he’s mindful of the high-class rivals he’ll meet in The Phoenix.
“I think it’s probably the hottest field assembled for the year… We just want to slot into a good position, hopefully sitting third rounding the first corner with clear air.
“Box five is not the worst draw he could have got. At least he’s got a dog immediately inside him that’s going to put pressure on those drawn closer to the rail.
“It’s going to be a hard ask to win, but whoever does will thoroughly deserve it.”
Obviously, Keel is excited about Zippy Tesla making his way into the field, but he also expressed empathy regarding Plaintiff.
“It’s just devastating; I can’t put it into words. I really feel for Jason and Plaintiff’s owner, Amanda Tullio.”
WATCH: ZIPPY TESLA (B2) was ‘all-electric’ in a heat of the G1 Melbourne Cup at Sandown Park last month.
