The training team of Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr has elevated expectations for Zambardo, while also acknowledging the gelding’s need to perform at a higher standard.
With entries for both the renowned Cox Plate and Caulfield Cup, Zambardo is slated to make his comeback in the So You Think Stakes (1500m) at Sandown this Saturday.
Zambardo is a lightly raced gelding originating from New Zealand, who has achieved victory in four of his twelve starts.
The five-year-old arrived from New Zealand unraced, breaking his maiden status at his second attempt for Price and Kent Jnr on the Pakenham synthetic track over 1600m, before going on to secure consecutive wins at Sale, Sandown, and Caulfield.
His most recent win was in a benchmark 78 race over 2000m during the middle day of the Caulfield Cup Carnival.
In a bold strategic move, Price and Kent Jnr placed Zambardo in the deep end for the Group 1 Champions Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on the final day of Melbourne Cup week, where the gelding finished behind the exceptional mare Via Sistina.
The handicapper significantly adjusted Zambardo’s rating for that placing, which earned connections $540,000, moving him from a 78-rater to 103.
This meant Zambardo was precluded from easier contests due to his weight and was compelled to race in higher grades, a path he followed in the autumn, commencing in Sydney before concluding his preparation in Brisbane.
Price and Kent Jnr still plan to participate with the gelding in ‘some nice races’ this spring.
“We’re keen to be ambitious with him, until proven otherwise,” Kent Jnr stated.
“The Cox Plate will certainly be considered, but he has to prove he is at that level.
“His form went a bit sideways last preparation, for a variety of reasons. He was getting a long way back, he had bad barriers, that Q22 was a funny race, they went no gallop and it wasn’t a test of anyone’s ability.
“I think we judge the horse on his first couple of runs back here in Melbourne, but what I can say, he is flying, going particularly well.”
Considering that this year’s Cox Plate will be contested at Flemington due to the Moonee Valley track undergoing renovations, Kent Jnr is eager to witness Zambardo commence his campaign at Sandown.
“I think that is one of the keys to him as he’s raced there before and I think he will enjoy being back Sandown,” Kent Jnr remarked.
Betting markets for the So You Think Stakes are now open at Australian betting sites.