James Cummings is optimistic about Zardozi’s chances in the Group 1 Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Despite being unplaced in all three starts this campaign, including a fifth-place finish in the Group 3 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) on September 21, Cummings draws confidence from the filly’s ability to rebound, much like she did last season when following a similar trajectory in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) before finishing second in the Group 1 ATC Oaks (2400m).
“I feel she’s really warming to a big performance,” Cummings told RSN.
“We were not in a dissimilar boat in the lead up to the ATC Oaks, so I’ve persevered toward the Metropolitan despite her unplaced run in the Kingston Town.
“She drops nicely in weight, which she has been crying out for this preparation.
“Stepping out to a mile and a half is right in her wheelhouse, so I can see a lot of parallels from the steps she took from the Vinery to the ATC Oaks.”
Cummings also noted the importance of patience in Zardozi’s development.
“It will give us an insight into whether or not she needed to take another prep at open age company before her maturity can catch up to her rating.
“It’s a matter of being more patient and that’s what we’re prepared to do.
“We’re strongly of the opinion we need to take advantage of her handicap, and the Metropolitan seems to be the right race to do so. I’m rather confident she can run a race.”
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