For a horse with a tendency to lock his stifle when walking, Marazion’s galloping ability hasn’t been impeded.
The Robert Price-trained five-year-old will be out to further improve his consistent record in the Aristocrat-Shuffle Master Class 2 Hcp (1425m) at Moruya on Sunday.
Owned and bred by Yass-based Brian and Jan Whinnen, the son of Zariz has two wins and five placings from nine starts.
“It’s the first horse I’ve had for them. Jan rang me one day and asked me to train him,” Price said.
“He’s been very consistent.
“I think he can make midweek Sydney grade this preparation.”
Price said the stifle abnormality had improved with age.
“He only does it when he walks. It doesn’t affect him galloping in any way. I’ve had other horses like him,” Price said.
“The longer he’s been in work, the better it’s got.
“He’ll eventually grow out of it.
“He’s a really nice horse to look at, great, a nice size, easy to handle around the stable, clean-winded and a natural all-round nice horse who can handle all types of going.”
Marazion resumed from a 14-week spell when recording a 1-1/4-length win in a 1200m Class 2 handicap at Goulburn on August 11 then was unlucky when finishing a half-length fourth to She’s Number One in a similar event at Wyong on September 2.
“He was probably unlucky not to win at Wyong,” Price said.
“He was three deep with a trail and unfortunately got onto the back of the wrong horse who couldn’t take him into the race.
“Luck in running beat him.”
Price is unconcerned about the quick back-up at Moruya given Marazion is still very fresh.
“I was going to keep him for a race at Kembla then Sydney but with his Benchmark (57) he can afford to win another one in the country before heading to Sydney for a non-metropolitan winner’s race,” he said.
“Stepping up to 1400 metres on Sunday will suit him, I think he’s a miler although he looks like a sprinter and he’ll be fresh Sunday.
“We’ll just need to find some cover quickly, not to overrace.
“I just had his blood done, he’s spot-on, done really well.”
Marazion has drawn barrier three and will be ridden by two-kilo claimer Sam Clipperton.
AAP TURF
