Melbourne jockey Mark Zahra got a feel for Kiwi mare Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed) when winning the Gr.1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday and the leading hoop is confident the daughter of Zed will acquit herself well in the Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m)
“She gave me a nice feel, obviously it’s been well documented that she’s an awkward ride,” Zahra said.
“I think she used to be a lot more difficult, but she seems to have calmed down a lot now. It looks like she might be over-racing but it’s not too bad, it’s just the way she holds her head.”
The mare coped with the firmer Good 3 conditions on Saturday, despite her preference for wetter surfaces, making a sustained wide run for a valiant victory to land her fifth Group One for trainer Chris Waller and connections which include her former New Zealand trainer Nick Bishara and breeder Don Goodwin.
“A lot was said about her on a good track, she’d only won one on a good track, but she seemed fine and she cantered down no worries,” Zahra said.
“I think she’s no problem on a good track, she’s just a lot better on a wet track.
“I don’t think I’d be worried about too many of the ones behind me, especially if we get a little bit of rain, so I’m pretty confident heading into the Caulfield Cup.”
