Rob Blacker trained stayer Tigertiger (NZ) (Zed) will be looking to give the Mornington based trainer the biggest win of his career when he lines up in Monday’s Gr.2 Adelaide Cup (3200m).
The New Zealand bred 6yo gelding has come a long way since moving to the Blacker yard in September, breaking his maiden at Mornington by 5.8L last October before rising through the grades to win the Listed Bagot Handicap at Flemington on New Year’s Day.
Behind him that day was 2021 Adelaide Cup winner Good Idea, and the race has been in the back of Blacker’s mind ever since.
“I was always heading towards the Adelaide Cup,” Blacker said. “He’ll have a little breather and I’ll work it out.”
Two runs back since a break would have done nothing to dent the stable’s confidence, and Harry Coffey, who will partner the son of Zed for the first time on Monday was looking forward to the race after running 2nd to Crystal Pegasus on Saturday.
Speaking with SEN’s Andrew Bensley on Monday morning, Coffey said he was “really excited by the opportunity.”
“I think his run Saturday was really good and it just topped him off nicely. He’s been set for the race, and I think we should be going well on Monday.”
Tigertiger will carry 53kg on Monday, the same as Good Idea last year, and Surprise Baby who won the race in 2019. The Mitchell Freedman trained Ho Ho Khan, winner of last month’s Hobart Cup heads the weights with 59kg.
