Nash Rawiller is convinced Caulfield Cup winner Descarado can turn the tables on Zavite when they meet again in Saturday’s BMW at Rosehill.
The Anthony Cummings-trained Zavite caused the biggest upset of the carnival so far when he beat off the challenge from Descarado in the Ranvet last Saturday week to score a 100-1 Group One victory with Glen Boss aboard.
Rawiller, who rode Zavite to victories in the 2009 Launceston and Adelaide Cups, was the first to make a move in the Ranvet (2000m) and Descarado went down fighting.
“I know Zavite and I was concerned he had had too soft a run in front,” Rawiller said.
“My bloke needed that hard hit-out and going up to 2400 metres this week, things will be a bit different.
“Descarado has greatly improved.”
Last year’s Melbourne Cup runner-up Maluckyday had difficulties with the slippery track in the Ranvet and finished fourth but has been installed $2.60 favourite with TAB Sportsbet to win his first Group One.
Descarado is second-elect at $3.60, Linton is at $6.50 while Zavite is a $14 chance with 11 horses accepted on Tuesday for the $2.25 million race.
Cummings has a soft spot for eight-year-old Zavite who he says has more energy for his trackwork and racing than most younger horses in his stable.
The gelding was an unlucky second in the BMW in 2010 after being posted wide throughout.
“He was three-deep without cover for one-and-half miles last year,” Cummings said.
“If you were working out a race plan, that would usually be bottom of the list.
“I’m very happy with him.
“He worked on the course proper at Randwick this morning and I was pleased with his gallop.
“I’m happy as I was last time and it won’t be such an upset if he wins this time around.”
Descarado is favourite for next month’s Sydney Cup (3200m) ahead of Linton at $7.50 and Zavite at $11.
Linton is one of two acceptors for leviathan owner Lloyd Williams and will be ridden by Nick Hall while Michael Rodd takes the ride on stablemate Mourayan.
David Hayes also has two runners, Extra Zero and Laristan, while another Victorian visitor is Cedarberg from the Pat Carey stable.
AAP TURF
