Annabel Neasham has done her part in getting Zaaki to peak fitness for the All-Star Mile and it is now up to her jockey Jamie Kah to complete the assignment.
The trainer reported that Zaaki was ‘bucking his brands off’ ahead of the $5 million All Star Mile over 1600m at Flemington on Saturday.
She said that was usually a good indication and similar to how Zaaki was before taking out the Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) at Flemington in the spring.
“He’s a pretty easy horse to read,” Neasham said.
“Although he’s a seven-year-old now, there are days when he’s full of beans and the days he’s not, you know he’s not quite right.
“He’s certainly very fresh at the moment and the fresher he gets, the better he is.”
Neasham does not think barrier 15 will be a problem for Zaaki on Saturday, in fact she prefers the wide draw than one closer to the rail as one of her main rivals I’m Thunderstruck has.
She said more important than the draw was having the right jockey aboard.
“Jamie has good hands and the important thing with this horse is to get him in a rhythm, not to push or pull him about,” Neasham said.
“He’s got a naturally big stride and a high cruising speed.
“We’re never in a rush to come across, as he’s often drawn wide gates, so I’ll leave it up to Jamie.
“She’ll do her homework, but the main thing is to ride him where he’s happy.”
Neasham said there was several chances in Saturday’s race.
She said Pinstriped was a ‘flashing light run’ in the Australian Guineas, I’m Thunderstruck will be hard to hold out if he gets luck and Inspirational Girl was good in defeating Zaaki in the Group 2 Blamey Stakes at Flemington but rises in weight this time around.
“There are numerous chances, but I wouldn’t swap my horse for anyone though,” Neasham said.