Arapaho set for pet distance in the Zipping Classic

Arapaho may not have won a race for more than 18 months, but through a number of setbacks and issues over that time he has become one of the more special horses to Bjorn Baker’s training team.

Arapaho is set to line up in the Group 2 Zipping Classic at Caulfield on Saturday and has been building to the 2400-metre trip in what will be his fourth run this preparation.

The gelding goes to Caulfield after his fifth placing in the Group 1 Champions Stakes (2000m) won by Via Sistina at Flemington on November 9 where he started at $71.

The market is unlikely to replicate that this time and Baker’s racing manager Luke Hilton agrees.

“He was huge last start,” Hilton said.

“He drew awkwardly and had to go back from the gate, which didn’t help him. He was back and wide but he really hit the line well.”

The seven-year-old’s last win came over the 2400-metres in the Group 1 Tancred Stakes at Rosehill in March 2023.

“He will be fourth-up, up to the 2400, which is his pet distance and he has gone ahead in leaps and bounds,” Hilton added.

“His last two runs have screamed that he’s back as good as ever,” Hilton added.

“We’re more relieved and thankful that he is back and racing well. He’s got a special place in our hearts here at the stable. Everyone loves him. We’re stoked for the owners and the horse that he is back to his best.”

“If he turns up in that order he is going to be mighty hard to beat in that race.”

Rachel King will reunite with Arapaho at Caulfield for the $750,000 event on a day that will mark the final metro feature day of the Victorian Spring Racing Carnival.

King partnered Arapaho in their Tancred Stakes win last year.