Verry Elleegant’s (NZ) (Zed) camp couldn’t be any happier with the multiple Group One winner heading into the Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) this weekend.
The Chris Waller-trained mare has won two of her three starts this preparation, including the Gr.1 Winx Stakes (1400m) first-up and the Gr.1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) last start.
The daughter of Zed will jump from barrier eight on Saturday, but her connections are slightly concerned about their star mare being lumbered with 55kg.
“Everything is going according to plan,” former trainer and part-owner Nick Bishara said. “Her work has been great and Mark Zahra (jockey) said he wouldn’t swap her for another ride.
“That is the perfect draw for her, she is going to get clear air, she is not going to get cluttered up.
“But he (Chris Waller) is very concerned about the weight. I thought she might have just got 54kg, but she has got a good horses weight.
“I think the only other mare to win with a weight like that was Makybe Diva, so it’s a big ask.”
There is rain forecast in the lead-up to the race, which Bishara said will suit the Kiwi-bred mare down to the ground.
“There is a bit of rain around and that is just going to enhance her chances,” he said.
With COVID-19 enforced travel restrictions in place, Bishara said a lot of her New Zealand-based owners will be taking in the big race from the comfort of their homes.
“All the original owners, we are quite close, and they all still race horses with me, not the caliber of her though unfortunately,” he said.
“I will just watch the race at home with family and a couple of friends.”