Mark Zahra to reunite with Without A Fight in the Q22
Mark Zahra is looking forward to reuniting with the Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained Without A Fight in the Q22 at Eagle Farm
Without A Fight staged an impressive first-up win for the father-and-son training operation when successful in the Group 3 Lord Mayor’s Cup (1800m) on May 27.
Saturday’s Group 2 race over 2200m looks made to order for Without A Fight if the stayer, who was first-up from finishing midfield in last year’s Melbourne Cup, draws a nice barrier.
“He was very impressive the other day and if he can bring that form again to the race on Saturday, he’s going to be very hard to beat,” Zahra said at the launch of the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour.
“I’d never been on him before, but I had seen a few of his replays, but we had drawn a bit of a wide gate, so everyone was happy to ride him back and let him finish off.
“I thought we were going to run a nice third, but then I’ve gone to the line to win by almost two lengths, untouched.”
Zahra said he was a little surprised by the ease of Without A Fight’s victory and said the gelding’s best attribute was his turn of foot.
“I’m not sure if he’s shown it before,” Zahra said.
“I don’t think he has to go so far back, but with a ride where he can settle and conserve his energy with that turn of foot, he can win a major race in the spring.
“And he should be cherry ripe for that race on Saturday.”
Zahra will also partner Snapback in the Group 1 JJ Atkins (1600m) on Saturday.
Snapback has drawn barrier 10 in the 17-horse field and Zahra is hoping for a better run than when second in the Group 2 BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Eagle Farm on May 27.
“He was wide all the way and was tough at the finish, and he’s going to be meeting a similar field that he met last time,” Zahra said.
“If he can get a better run, he’s going to be one of the chances for sure.”
More Racing News
Extragalactic's Flemington mission in McEwen Stakes
While many in the racing world will lament the closure of the old Moonee Valley track, trainer Trent Edmonds isn't lamenting the timing of its renovation.This Saturday marks the first Cox Plate meeting to be held away from 'The Valley', and Edmonds is set to be at Flemington with Extragalactic,...
Blind Raise's faith rewarded with Cox Plate start
Trent Busuttin is aware that if the primary goal was to secure a Group 1 victory, the more prudent strategy would be to send Blind Raise to Sydney for this Saturday's Spring Champion Stakes.Nevertheless, he also recognises that the type of opportunity that has arisen this year is not a...
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...