Trainer John Zielke has developed a simple formula to help him reach a record season with his team of two-year-olds.
Zielke believes the use of a spelling farm for short term “freshen-ups” and securing in-form apprentices has been the key.
He will be aiming for his 15th juvenile win this season when Spot the Diff tackles Saturday’s Two-Year-Old Handicap (1050m) at Doomben.
Zielke has the best strike rate of any trainer in Australia for juvenile winners this season and is the leading money earner for the QTIS bonus scheme.
“I have always had a knack with two-year-olds and in particular fillies,” Zielke said.
“But it has been a great effort from our team to get 14 overall wins from just seven two-year-old runners this season,” Zielke said.
“We have 15 yearlings rising two for next season so I am really looking forward to it.”
Zielke said he had followed a simple formula to get his youngsters through the season.
“We give them a break at Golden Gully spelling property and that keeps them on the fresh side,” he said.
“Then we have been able to use apprentices such as Luke Dittman and Josh Oliver so the horses aren’t carrying huge weights.”
Spot the Diff is a shining example of the Zielke system. She will be having her 13th start for the season on Saturday and is aiming for her sixth win.
“Spot the Diff isn’t the best of our two-year-olds but she is tough,” Zielke said.
