Williams Duo In The Mix
Thursday, 23 October 2008:  | | Photo by Racing and Sports |
The seven-year-old, prepared by John Sadler and owned by Lloyd Williams, has run well in both attempts at the Melbourne Cup two miles, finishing fourth both times, but just didn't run out the marathon journey.
This year, Williams has decided to target the Cox Plate and he comes into the race a somewhat forgotten horse after an eye-catching third in the Turnbull Stakes.
Perhaps thats because, despite 11 wins and about $1.5 million in prizemoney, he is yet to win at the top level.
With a good record at Moonee Valley and specifically targeting the shorter races, Zipping looms as a genuine chance in this year's weight-for-age championship at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
“This is the race we've set him for and we're fairly confident this is his right distance,” Nick Williams said.
“His Turnbull run indicates he's going well enough. He's probably not up to the absolute top grade of weight-for-age horses but many people feel the race isn't vintage.
“We expect him to be there in the finish.”
Williams said the slow tempo of last year's race didn't suit Zipping, and he also wasn't set for the race as he was being aimed at the Melbourne Cup.
Zipping will jump from barrier five and has Danny Nikolic aboard, who is yet to win the race.
Stablemate C'est La Guerre comes into the race as a longshot but the stable are confident he won't be disgraced.
The former Kiwi's last win was the Group 1 New Zealand Derby which has proven a hot form race not only through the autumn but is emerging again this spring.
Since being bought by Williams the gelding has started three times in Australia, his best effort the latest when a close-up fourth in the Group 1 Yalumba Stakes behind Douro Valley.
“The form around him from that New Zealand Derby is standing up everywhere and his run in the Caulfield (Yalumba) Stakes was excellent. He ran the second fastest last 800m of the day and I would have though he's on track.”
C'est La Guerre has drawn barrier three and will be partnered by stable rider Steve Arnold.
Sportingbet have Zipping an $8.00 third favourite behind Samantha Miss at $3.80, just ahead of Princess Coup at $4.00.
C'est La Guerre is a $21.00 chance.
|
