King Zephyr on path for four straight at Flemington on Anzac Day

King Zephyr returns to Flemington on Friday in search of his fourth win in a row as he tackles the William Newton VC Handicap (1400m) for trainer Grahame Begg.

The progressive four-year-old has built a tidy record with four wins from five starts, including three victories this campaign. Among his connections is former trainer Chris Hyland, now part of Begg’s team.

His career began with a debut win at Bendigo before being spelled. He resumed for a single run last August, then returned stronger this prep with consecutive wins at Pakenham and Sandown.

Begg has mapped a careful path for the gelding and believes Friday’s benchmark 78 test fits perfectly into that progression.

“We’ve taken each step with him as it’s come,” Begg said.

“We’ve tried to keep him in his lane, pick off the right races as they come and we’re happy just taking the small steps at this stage.

“He’s got to a benchmark 78 on Friday and he comes back a little in weight. He had 61 kilos the other day and comes back 59-½ on Friday.”

Since his last race on March 26, King Zephyr has had a jump-out at Cranbourne, which Begg said was ideal for keeping him up to the mark.

“He hasn’t run at 1400 metres yet, but he’s had two solid 1300-metre runs,” Begg said. “He’s giving every indication the way he’s relaxing in his races the 1400 metres won’t be too much of a challenge.”

Jordan Childs stays aboard the consistent gelding, who is a short-priced $1.70 favourite with betting sites heading into Friday’s test.