G1 George Ryder Stakes among options for Zaaki
Star galloper Zaaki is a chance to resume in the George Ryder Stakes on Golden Slipper day after passing a crucial test at Randwick.
Neasham and jockey James Mcdonald were thrilled with the nine-year-old’s enthusiasm during an exhibition gallop on Saturday when he worked with recent stable addition Mighty Ulysses (Tom Marquand).
The pair hit the line together and while Mighty Ulysses officially got the verdict by a half-head, Neasham said it was exactly what she wanted to see from Zaaki, who has been a little slow to come to hand.
“He was a bit foot sore when he came back into work, but James (McDonald) just got off him there and said he feels terrific,” Neasham said.
“We will see how he comes through this and whether he possibly could go to the George Ryder.
“It might be a bit soon, but there’s not much else around for him if we don’t go there.
“But if we don’t, we’ll simmer along with him and maybe do the route we went last year which was All Aged (Stakes) and then back to the Hollindale (Stakes) and the Doomben Cup.”
Zaaki has won 11 of his 27 starts since arriving in Australia, including four at Group 1 level and the 2022 All-Star Mile.
He is returning from a hit-and-run campaign in Perth where he was nosed out by Dom To Shoot in the Northerly Stakes (1800m) on December 9 and Neasham says whatever the horse does now is a bonus.
Neasham was also thrilled with what she saw from Mighty Ulysses, a dual stakes winner over a mile in Europe.
He will trial again at Warwick Farm on Tuesday and all being well, will make his Australian debut in the George Ryder Stakes (1500m) on Saturday week.
“It’s going to be hard to fill Zaaki’s shoes, but he might be the next one for me to be in those weight-for-age type races,” Neasham said.
“He will have a stretch of the legs on Tuesday and as long as I’m happy with him, he’ll go to the George Ryder.
“I’m possibly thinking of the Doncaster (Mile) with 51, it looks appealing if he can get in.”
Neasham had a successful afternoon at Randwick on Saturday winning the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) with Lady Laguna and confirmed the mare was in line to back-up in next weekend’s Coolmore Classic.
More Racing News
Augustus and Desert Hero debut in Flemington feature
While the Australian Cup Prelude at Flemington doesn't carry the weight of the day's opening races, it has the potential to highlight future stars for major events ahead.Ciaron Maher will launch two newcomers from overseas in the Saturday 2000m race – Augustus and Desert Hero.Desert Hero already has Australian experience,...
Robbie Griffiths plans VRC Sires' Produce Stakes tilt with Almost An Angel
For the youngsters, the VRC Sires' Produce Stakes provides the debut opportunity to tackle a genuine journey.Now that the Blue Diamond Stakes, Victoria's top juvenile prize, has been run and captured last month, attention shifts for the fast two-year-olds to the Golden Slipper up in Sydney.Robbie Griffiths, however, set his...
Ipswich Friday features prepared Sir Maurice
With an advantageous claim on weight and a competitor set for a win, Jack Bruce is eager for Sir Maurice to perform at Ipswich this coming Friday.Marking his fifth run this campaign, the five-year-old offspring of champion Japanese sire Maurice enters the Great Northern Benchmark 65 Handicap (1200m) for an...
Blinkers and McDonald for Hidrix in key Todman Stakes before Golden Slipper
Hidrix, once the top pick for the Golden Slipper, faces two major tweaks for his engagement in the Todman Stakes at Randwick: blinkers fitted and James McDonald in the saddle.Although McDonald guided stable companion Confederation during the Canonbury Stakes (1100m) Hidrix won and the Silver Slipper (1100m), he'll switch to...
Filly Caffe Florian emerges as next talent for Richard Litt
Though Richard Litt runs a modest team in numbers, he has proven adept at pinpointing quality performers.Responsible for training dual Group 1 champion Castelvecchio and Profondo's 2021 Spring Champion Stakes success, the Warwick Farm conditioner now seems to hold a fresh prospect in developing filly Caffe Florian.The three-year-old by Snitzel...
Waller's entrants set for All-Star Mile at Flemington
Leading handler Chris Waller embraces the All-Star Mile format since its promotion to Group 1.Launched back in 2019, the All-Star Mile moved between key Melbourne venues and mirrored Japan's Arima Kinen by letting the public choose their top pick.Changes were implemented in later years, and Waller entered sparingly.Securing Group 1...
Mark Zahra backs Tentyris to overcome weight in Newmarket
Mark Zahra, the jockey, doesn't see the allocated weight for Tentyris as a barrier to the colt capturing the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington.To win the Group 1 1200m event at Flemington on Saturday, Tentyris must replicate the weight record set by Ajax back in 1938.The 57kg impost matches what Fastnet...
Freedman eyes Ninja's mile potential in Randwick Guineas
Michael Freedman counts on Ninja getting forward in the run as an essential element boosting his shot at the Group One Randwick Guineas.Unlike key challengers Autumn Boy and Attica, who prefer to come from off the pace, Ninja showed his flexibility in the Hobartville Stakes (1400m) by tracking the pacesetter...
Experienced Coal Crusher set for Newcastle Stakes challenge
If Coal Crusher maintains his strong connection with the Newcastle venue, he could provide Joe Pride with an excellent beginning to his weekend on a prominent regional racing occasion.On a quick six-day freshen-up from his Liverpool City Cup (1300m) defeat at Randwick, the gelding lines up in Friday's Group 3...
Rawiller's decision spotlights Lady Shenandoah's Canterbury Stakes bid
With Ciaron Maher readying Gringotts for his seasonal reappearance in the Canterbury Stakes at Randwick, another jockey has accidentally boosted the credentials of a prominent rival entrant.Nash Rawiller built an impressive alliance with Gringotts late in his previous campaign, notching successive wins in the Big Dance and The Gong.They were...