Sydney trainer Annabel NeashamĀ hopes to get the green light to send staff to Victoria for Zaaki to continue his quest towards theĀ Cox Plate.
Neasham would like to start ZaakiĀ in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Sandown on September 25 after theĀ imported galloperĀ scoredĀ an impressive win in the Group 2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday.
If Neasham is unable to get staff into Melbourne laterĀ thisĀ week, the back-up plan is for Zaaki to run in theĀ Group 1 George Main Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on September 18.
Zaaki’s campaign is being geared towards the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) at The Valley on October 23, for which he is theĀ $2.80 favourite with TAB.
“It will be either the George Main or the UnderwoodĀ next,” Neasham told RSN.
“If we can get the green light to get the staff down, I think we’ll get a decision this week, that will make up my mind.
“I would love to run him in the Underwood which would be three weeks between runs, then two weeksĀ to theĀ Caulfield Stakes and two weeksĀ to theĀ Cox Plate would be the path I would like to do.
“My boys are ready to go and go into 14 days quarantine if we get the green hope.”
Neasham also hopes James McDonald will get the OK to get down to Melbourne for the 2021 Cox Plate.
“I was reading about crowds maybe coming back for the Cox Plate,” Neasham said.
“It might be pie in the sky stuff, but there could be a chance James could get down thereĀ as it’s still a fair way away.”
StablemateĀ Mo’Unga, victorious first-up in the Group 1 Winx Stakes at Randwick on August 21, is Melbourne bound on Saturday for the Group 1Ā MakybeĀ Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.
Neasham saidĀ Mo’ungaĀ would make a hit-and-run visit, returning to Sydney after Saturday’s race to continue his spring campaign.
