Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr’s stable has set their sights on two major Group 1, 2000m races at Flemington for Zambardo.
The Cox Plate, scheduled for October 24 and being held at a different venue this year due to renovations at Moonee Valley, and the Champions Stakes, two weeks later, are races that Price has circled.
Zambardo’s only previous run at Flemington was in last year’s Champions Stakes during Melbourne Cup week, where he finished behind Via Sistina.
Price mentioned that the gelding’s performances during the autumn and winter in Sydney and Brisbane were disappointing.
After mid-field placings at Randwick and Gosford, Zambardo found his preferred wet conditions at Rosehill when he finished second in the Lord Mayors Cup, prior to heading to Brisbane.
Competing in the Q22 at Eagle Farm, Zambardo was not suited by the slow tempo, beating only two other horses home.
Following a spell in Queensland’s warmer climate, Zambardo resumed effectively with a third-place finish over 1500m at Sandown on September 5. He is now heading to Caulfield on Sunday to advance his Cox Plate aspirations in the Group 2 Feehan Stakes (1600m).
Price stated that Zambardo would then contest the ‘Globe Stakes’ (the Might And Power) at Caulfield on October 10, with the Cox Plate as his ultimate objective.
“He was great first-up,” Price said.
“It was what I expected off his trial after his little winter sojourn wasn’t so successful.
“I’m putting a circle around the 2000 metres at Flemington where he will be very well suited, especially if he gets his toe in the ground.
“He might not be good enough, but I don’t think it will be a huge field, and there are no internationals coming.
“One thing is, he’ll be cherry on the day.”
The Feehan Stakes has historically seen small fields, with Pride Of Jenni proving dominant in the last two renewals.
Pride Of Jenni is set to line up again on Sunday, facing only five rivals, including Mr Brightside and Treasurethe Moment, who have both finished second to the mare in the previous two editions.
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