Bendigo Golden Mile hosts debut of Irish galloper Zahrann

High anticipation surrounds the Ciaron Maher barn's imported chaser Zahrann ahead of his initial Australian start at Bendigo.

This Saturday's Listed Golden Mile (1600m) represents the Irish-bred entire's seventh career appearance, backed by promising European results.

The Bendigo circuit earns its 'Nursery of Champions' nickname thanks to stars such as Better Loosen Up, Hyperno and Salamander who began there, proving a welcoming spot for foreign horses to launch locally.

In 2015, Observational under Robert Hickmott's guidance and owned by Lloyd and Nick Williams claimed the Golden Mile at his Aussie introduction.

Only once has Zahrann competed over less than 2000m, placing second in a 1609m maiden at Navan on debut back in April last year.

National Assistant Trainer Jack Turnbull from Ciaron Maher Racing expressed caution on expectations for the stallion post two recent jump-outs for Saturday.

"I won't say it will be too short, but in a perfect world he's going to want a bit further," Turnbull said.

"He takes a lot riding. He's a very complacent animal, but when he puts his mind to it, he can really have a crack.

"He's really exciting for the spring and that was why he was purchased, ideally for a race like the Caulfield Cup and you go through his form in Europe, it's pretty exciting.

"If we can capture a bit of that on Saturday and build off that, that would be great, and our plan is to get to the spring."

According to Turnbull, the Saturday result will dictate future directions for the team.

Options include traveling north to Brisbane or dialing back for spring preparation.

"The spring comes around very quick," Turnbull said.

"I wouldn't say he will spell between now and spring, it's just where he ticks over, in what location."

Getting Zahrann race-ready took time after his arrival last year, Turnbull revealed.

Foot concerns plagued the entire initially, demanding care.

"When we started with him, we trained him barefoot for a while, took him back to basics, and had our farrier team get on top of him," Turnbull said.

"He had a few small hiccups, but looking back, we're well on top of that now.

"He's a very attractive stallion and being Bendigo, a lovely galloping track, a lovely surface, it should be ideal.

"He'll be asked to step away, hold a spot somewhere, hopefully that's midfield, or thereabouts and then have one run at them to be finishing off, and if that is good enough, then that's great, otherwise we build and look for something a little longer."

Saturday sees the Maher crew also saddle Holymanz, whom Turnbull describes as peaking perfectly.

Most recently fifth at Flemington on soft ground, the gelding shone in a Cranbourne jump-out.

"As I always say, you would love to own him," Turnbull said.

"He's so well. He's had a little jump-out since his last run. He's fresh, so consistent and the mile is his trip.

"If he runs to his level and gets a smooth run, I'm sure he's good enough."

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