Trainer Simon Zahra has been surprised at the longevity of the campaign of Zac De Boss.
The campaign kicked off in December and Saturday’s Country Achiever Gwenda Johnstone (1100m) at Flemington will be Zac De Boss’ ninth start for the preparation.
Initially starting his career with Mathew Ellerton and Zahra, Zac De Boss joined Zahra after the two trainers went their separate ways late last year.
Without the same “freshening up” facilities Zahra enjoyed with Ellerton, Zahra has been forced to think outside the square in keeping Zac De Boss racing.
Zahra is hoping that he can squeeze one more run out of the gelding who is facing a class rise on his victory in a Benchmark 70 race over Saturday’s course and distance on May 21.
“He looked like he was going to be a miler earlyĀ on,Ā but he had a few wind issues and the more I brought him back in distance, the better he has gone and the better turn of foot he’s got,” Zahra said.
“Just keeping him to sprints and training him light, he seems to be enjoying that sort of work.”
Zac De Boss has raced up the Flemington straight at his past three outings.
He finished fifth toĀ Don’TtellthebossĀ over 1200m in March, second toĀ Beehunter, again over 1200m in April before his win over 1100m last month.
What Zahra likes on Saturday is with the rise in class comes a weight drop of 5.5kg and the likelihood of more speed in the race.
“He’s got an affinity with the straight,” Zahra said.
“He is going up another level but there looks good speed and that’s what he needs and with the good speed he should relax and hopefully he’s got that nice turn of foot again.
“He seems to still be going well at home but he’s going to need a break at some stage as he’s been in work for some time now.
“That’s our biggest concern.”
