New Zealand Cup winner sets sights on the Adelaide Cup

New Zealand Cup winner Mehzebeen is set to make her Australian debut at Caulfield on Saturday in a Benchmark 100 race over 2000m, marking the beginning of her campaign towards a staying feature in South Australia next month.

Trained by Mark Walker, the mare has not raced since her triumph in the Group 3 New Zealand Cup over 3200m at Riccarton in mid-November. That victory came just a week after she claimed a Listed 2600m race at the same venue.

“She has come over for the Adelaide Cup,” Walker said.

Although Mehzebeen excels over longer distances, Walker believes she is progressing well for her upcoming targets.

“But she had a couple of jumpouts, there’s a nice Listed race at Moonee Valley in two weeks over 2500 metres and then she runs in the Adelaide Cup,” he said.

Blake Shinn will take the ride on Mehzebeen, and she has drawn the inside barrier for Saturday’s event.

Shinn has built a strong partnership with the Te Akau Racing team, highlighted by his recent victory aboard Damask Rose in the Karaka Millions 3YO at Ellerslie last month.

“Blake Shinn is on her so that is a big bonus,” Walker said.

“Whatever she does, she will be better once she gets up in trip to those other distances, but she should be thereabouts at the finish anyway.”

With five wins from 19 career starts, Mehzebeen’s success in the New Zealand Cup has given Walker confidence that she can be competitive in the Adelaide Cup.

“It’s quite a genuine two-mile race at Riccarton and she won it pretty well,” he said.

“Obviously they’ll be a better class of horse, but she just keeps stepping up most campaigns, so she should be a chance.”

The Group 2 Adelaide Cup (3200m) is scheduled for March 10 at Morphettville, while the Listed Torney Night Cup (2500m) will take place at Moonee Valley on February 21.