G1 contender to return in Anniversary Vase

Rising six-year-old Zebulon will be having just his ninth career start when he lines up in a stakes race at Caulfield.

Saturday’s Listed Anniversary Vase (1440m) will be the Peter Morgan-trained gelding’s first start in 12 months with two tendon injuries restricting Zebulon to only two starts in the past 2-1/2 years.

Zebulon showed potential as a three-year-old contesting the 2014 Caulfield Guineas, finishing last behind Shooting To Win, before returning in February 2015 and running second to San Nicasio in the Autumn Stakes at Caulfield.

The gelding suffered the first of his tendon injuries that year, resulting in an extended time on the sidelines.

He made a successful return on April 30 last year at Morphettville, winning the City Of Adelaide Handicap by four lengths, before another tendon injury ruled him out again.

Zebulon showed Morgan he was ready for his racetrack return with a second placing to Super Cash in a Cranbourne trial on April 21.

“He was beaten four lengths in the trial, but it was in good time, and he ran a quick time himself,” Morgan said.

“I was happy with that and he did a little bit more work on Tuesday.

“He’s ready to go.”

Morgan said a lot of work had gone into getting Zebulon back to the races.

He has made use of the water walker and treadmill at his property in Whittlesea while giving the gelding time in the paddock to let the tendon recover.

“We used the water walker and the treadmill on and off over 12 months,” Morgan said.

“He’d go out for a break and come back in, do a bit of work, and go back out again.

“It takes about 12 months to get them back.

“He’s injured the same tendon twice but it looks all good now.”

Morgan says if Zebulon comes through Saturday’s race unscathed, the gelding is likely to be freshened for a shot at $1 million Group One Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville on May 20.

“That was the plan with him last year but it didn’t eventuate,” Morgan said.

Linda Meech takes the ride on Saturday.

 

Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au

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