Highly regarded Zorero in tip-top order

Stakes contender-in-waiting Zorero is again expected to be tough to roll on his home track at Hastings this weekend.

Trained by Guy Lowry and Leah Zydenbos, the son of Per Incanto will step out in the Dan D’Esposito Memorial Handicap (1200m) and hasn’t missed a beat since successfully resuming a month ago.

The four-year-old was a dominant winner in Rating 65 company to take his burgeoning record to a brace of victories and a runner-up finish from four appearances.

“Zorero is a very good horse and has come on in leaps and bounds since the first day of the carnival,” Zydenbos said.

“We like to space his races, he’s a real talent and a Group horse into the future and I think the price he opened at ($8) was pretty generous.”

Zorero is raced by breeder Lib Petagna under his Elsdon Park banner and will again be partnered by Kelly Myers, who will also be aboard Fortunato if he takes his place in the Thomson’s Suits 3YO (1400m).

He was an impressive debut winner at Taupo before finishing eighth and less than four lengths off the winner Old Fashioned in the Gr.2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) after being slowly into stride.

“We were really happy with his run in the Guineas, obviously he did a little bit wrong at the start and left himself too big a task,” Zydenbos said.

“He has come through it really well and we’re hoping for a little bit of aqua in the track come Saturday.”

Fortunato holds a nomination for the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), but the gelding is unlikely to be heading to Riccarton.

“We’ll see how he comes through Saturday, if he does run, but he’s probably going to head to the paddock,” Zydenbos said.

Stablemate Sethero won’t be seen in action on Saturday with buyers circling the strapping son of Super Seth, who followed up a debut fourth with a clear-cut maiden success at Waverley.

“He will definitely come out, all’s well with him and there are options going forward,” Zydenbos said.

“His racing future is yet to be determined, but if he was to run again in New Zealand it would be in a set weights and penalties over 1400m at Trentham at the end of the month.”

The stable will also have Stylish in action on Friday at Taupo where she will make her debut in the Generation Homes Maiden (1100m).

“Unfortunately, a minor eye injury meant we had to scratch her out of the Sir Colin Meads (Listed, 1200m), but she’s well now,” Zydenbos said.

“Her work has been strong and it looks a stiff enough maiden field for her first go at the races, but she’s a right talent.”

Bred and raced by Lowry, Stylish is a daughter of Sword Of State and the winning Savabeel mare Chic.

A decision has yet to be made if multiple placegetter Swiffty will resume in the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race (1200m).

“The barrier (15) might make it too tough, we could skip that and head to Waverley (October 18) a bit later,” Zydenbos said.