Trainer Brendan McCarthy says Zedi Knight’s favourable barrier will be a real asset as he tries to maintain his unbeaten record over 1400 metres in Saturday’s Group Three Victoria Handicap at Caulfield.
The six-year-old had been kept to distances up to 1200 metres before he won the Yarra Valley Cup (1400m) carrying 59.5 kilograms on March 27 at Cranbourne.
He then stepped up to 1440 metres when he carried 57kg and beat Carrara and Lady Lynette in the Listed Anniversary Vase on his home track at Caulfield on April 9.
McCarthy considered scratching Zedi Knight from his last start because of barrier but is more than happy this time after he drew gate two in the 12-horse field.
“He’s done very well and I’m sure the barrier is going to be a real asset to him,” McCarthy said.
“He won’t use any petrol early and they’ve been leaving him alone.”
However McCarthy is well aware the presence of another front runner in Danzylum, who drew barrier one, will probably ensure a solidly run race.
A winner of four of his past five starts, Zedi Knight, again to be ridden by Danny Nikolic, is equal topweight with last year’s winner Orbit Express and Group Two Crystal Mile winner Sound Journey, each carrying 58kg.
If the pace is on it will suit three-time Group Two winner Set For Fame who ran last to More Joyous in the Group One Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on April 2.
“That run was a bit of an aberration but she’s worked well since she’s been back at home and this is a nice race for her,” trainer Peter Moody said.
Mike Moroney feels Skiddaw Peak is near his peak following an encouraging fourth in the Anniversary Vase.
The gelding had a nine-month spell after he failed twice in Queensland in June.
“He’s had three runs in and is close to his top,” Moronety said.
“Now that he’s a seven-year-old he’s taking a bit longer to get fully fit.
A dual Listed winner of the 2008 Auckland Racing Club Hcp (1600m) at Flemington and the 2009 Anniversary Vase, Skiddaw Peak’s latest win was over 1400 metres at Flemington in May last year.
Relatively lightly raced for his age, Skiddaw Peak has won nine of his 27 starts.
Lisa Cropp will ride him for the second time on Saturday and he should get a good run from barrier four.
AAP TURF
