Nonconformist, the 2021 Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) runner-up, is set for his first Melbourne appearance since October 2023 in the Group 2 Zipping Classic (2400m) at Caulfield this Saturday.
The eight-year-old gelding, trained by Grahame Begg, has been campaigning in Sydney and most recently finished midfield in the Rosehill Gold Cup (2000m).
Begg is optimistic about a stronger showing this weekend, noting that luck was not on Nonconformist’s side in his previous outing.
“He didn’t have much luck in his last start at Rosehill,” Begg said. “He was trapped wide early and rolled forward, and then the race got very messy for him, but he wasn’t beaten all that far at the finish. So, his run was quite good.”
To keep the gelding in top condition, Nonconformist had a jump-out at Cranbourne over 1200m last Monday week, which Begg described as “a nice tick over.”
“It’s a competitive race, and it’s good to see him back at Caulfield where he’s run well before,” he added.
Nonconformist will jump from barrier five, with Harry Coffey booked for the ride.
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