Zambardo takes next step towards Cox Plate in Feehan
Zambardo (NZ) (Belardo) will take another step towards the Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m) when he lines up in Sunday’s Gr.2 Feehan Stakes (1600m) at Caulfield.
Trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr have their sights set on two Group One targets at Flemington — the Cox Plate on October 24 and the Champions Stakes (2000m) a fortnight later.
It is an ambitious spring programme for the son of Belardo, who was privately purchased out of New Zealand after starting his career from modest beginnings in Ashburton, in the South Island.
Sold as a weanling for just $3100 through gavelhouse.com to trainer Emma Wyatt, Zambardo raced as Our Martian in New Zealand. He won a trial and was twice placed at Ashburton before being identified by bloodstock agent Phill Cataldo and traded to the Price and Kent Jnr stable.
Now he is chasing success at the highest level, with the move of this year’s Cox Plate to Flemington while The Valley undergoes redevelopment potentially playing to his strengths.
Zambardo finished runner-up to Via Sistina in last year’s Gr.1 Champions Stakes (2000m) at his only appearance at Flemington.
The gelding returned from a spell with an encouraging third over 1500m at Sandown on September 5, following an autumn and winter campaign that fell short of expectations.
“He was great first-up,” Price said.
“It was what I expected off his trial after his little winter sojourn wasn’t so successful.”
After midfield finishes at Randwick and Gosford, Zambardo found his preferred rain-affected ground when second in the Lord Mayors Cup at Rosehill.
He then headed north for the Q22 at Eagle Farm, where a slow tempo worked against him and he beat just two runners home.
Following a break in Queensland, Zambardo is now building towards his spring targets. Sunday’s Feehan will be followed by the Gr.1 Might And Power Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on October 10 before the Cox Plate.
“I’m putting a circle around the 2000 metres at Flemington where he will be very well suited, especially if he gets his toe in the ground,” Price said.
“He might not be good enough, but I don’t think it will be a huge field, and there are no internationals coming.
“One thing is, he’ll be cherry right on the day.”
Zambardo faces a strong test on Sunday, with Trelawney Stud-bred mare Pride Of Jenni chasing a third successive Feehan victory.
The mare has dominated the past two editions and meets five rivals this time, including Mr Brightside and Treasurethe Moment, who have each finished runner-up to her in the race.
