A good first-up record and a couple of handy lead-up trials has Godolphin trainer James Cummings confident Zapateo is ready to run a big race at Sandown.
The four-year-old daughter of Brazen Beau makes her Group 1 debut on Saturday in the Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Sandown.
A two-time winner at Group 3 level, Zapateo will also be having her first run at Sandown.
In the lead-up to Saturday’s first-up run, Zapateo has won a Warwick Farm 900m barrier trial and finished second over 900m in a Randwick trial on February 6.
Those two performances, coupled with the mare’s first-up record of two wins and a second from three fresh runs, has Cummings believing Zapateo is ready to run well.
Also, in Zapateo’s favour is a liking for softish ground.
While the track was rated in the Good range on Friday, showers have been forecast on Saturday with the Oakleigh Plate being the last of nine races on the program.
There are a number of factors that give Zapateo a chance on Saturday, but drawing barrier 12, she has already come into gate 11 following the scratching on Lombardo on Friday morning, is not one of them according to Cummings.
“I don’t know whether I love the draw or the (race) set-up, but what I do know is Zapateo is absolutely airborne,” Cummings said.
“I hope she can get a little bit of cover and get on the back of the right one when the pressure builds.”
“She was absolutely dynamic last preparation first-up, and she’s got an excellent first-up record.
“I think if Daniel Moor can ride the best ride of the day, she’s in the mix.
“It puts a bit of pressure on him, but she’s got the light weight at the handicaps and it’s an exciting race set-up.
“Here she is first-up, she trialled like lightning two times in Sydney before she went down to Melbourne, so keep an eye on her.”
