He had to prove his fitness twice, but Regal Zeus vindicated the decision of both trainer John Mcardle and Racing Victoria’s vets when he won Saturday’s Golden Mile at Bendigo.
The four-year-old came close to being scratched in the lead-up to the meeting when he returned an irregular blood picture on Thursday, but that had bounced back to levels McArdle was happy with by Friday.
His place in the field then came into question again shortly before the start when he played up in the stalls, which forced an 11th-hour veterinary inspection, after which he was cleared to start.
The son of Zoustar then produced a tenacious on-pace display to score a maiden Stakes success in the $200,000 Listed event.
He did it all after missing a run in last Saturday’s Group 3 Victoria Handicap (1400m), meaning he jumped straight from 1200m to the 1600m of the Golden Mile, which emphasised to McArdle what a gritty performer he is.
“He had a little bit of a blood (issue) Thursday afternoon, it was only very slight, but we spoke to the stewards and we reblooded him yesterday and it was OK yesterday afternoon,” McArdle said.
“He almost was a scratching. It’s probably not his usual routine to go from 1200 to 1600, but he was prepped up for the Victoria Handicap last week but he drew terrible.
“He’s just an incredibly tough horse.”
Regal Zeus ($7) lasted to score a short-head win over Smokin’ Princess ($6), who enjoyed a lovely trail behind the eventual winner but couldn’t reel him in, with Arran Bay ($31) boxing on for third 1-1/4 lengths away third.
Jamie Mott partnered Regal Zeus to victory, which gave him a feature running double after scoring aboard the Jerome Hunter-trained Wonder Boy in the $200,000 Listed Bendigo Guineas (1400m).
Earlier, Mott won the $130,000 BM84 over 1300m aboard the Clayton Douglas-trained Title Fighter.
“He got a of pressure early, he had to absorb that, which he can do and he was out on his feet at the 150 but it just shows you what a tough racehorse he is,” Mott said of Regal Zeus.
“To ride three winners on Bendigo Mile Day for three Mornington trainers who support me is fantastic.
“It’s a long drive home, but I’m sure each one will be pleased.”
Regal Zeus can’t be run down in the Golden Mile!
