If plan A doesn’t work, go to plan B or in the case of the John Marzol-trained Code Word, plan C – the $20,000 Ted Ryder Cup at Wagga on Friday.
The word frustrating was mentioned when Marzol discussed the lead-up preparation for the talented five-year-old gelding.
Marzol initially targeted last Saturday’s $175,000 Villiers (1600m) for Code Word.
But after missing a vital lead-up run, the former Gerald Ryan-trained son of More Than Ready failed to gain a start in the Group Two summer feature due to the event being conducted at Warwick Farm instead of Randwick limiting the number of starters.
Marzol took it on the chin and hatched a new plan that will include the Narooma and Moruya Cups and, long-term, the Wagga Cup next May.
Code Word has proven an astute buy by the 58-year-old former Wagga hotelier now based in Moruya.
In 10 runs under Marzol since being purchased in April this year, Code Word has won three races, including at Randwick and Canterbury, and added two placings.
Marzol has fond memories of the late Ted Ryder, the former long-time Wagga race caller and sports editor of the Wagga Advertiser.
“It would be a nice race to win. I knew Ted for many years,” Marzol said.
“Things haven’t gone as planned this time, it’s been hard, frustrating, trying to set the horse for a particular race.
“But he’s in good order and should be hard to beat stepping up to 1600 metres, especially if there’s a bit of rain about.”
Code Word has had two preparatory runs, nothing to set the world on fire, but doing enough to suggest Marzol will have him ready to peak over the mile.
His regular rider Nathan Berry for one is convinced the gelding, while his record doesn’t show it, is in fine fettle.
“Nathan reckons the horse is going better than ever,” Marzol said.
“His work Wednesday was terrific.
“He’s done a lot of swimming. Should be fit enough for the 1600 metres.”
Friday marks the first occasion this campaign Code Word has been in a winnable event after runs over 1400m in the Snake Gully Cup at Gundagai and 1300m last start at Rosehill on December 3 when he wound up late.
The $22,000 Narooma Cup (1650m) at Moruya on January 9, when retired international sprint star Takeover Target will be the star attraction, and $22,000 Moruya Cup (1930m) on January 23 are Code Word’s following Cup assignments.
AAP TURF
