The Godolphin team is optimistic that a step up in distance at Caulfield will benefit Zardozi as she continues her path toward her primary autumn target at Flemington.
The James Cummings-trained mare had a familiarization gallop at Caulfield on Tuesday morning ahead of the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) on Saturday, a key lead-up to the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) two weeks later.
Zardozi has only raced at Caulfield once before, finishing fourth to Duke De Sessa in last year’s Caulfield Cup (2400m).
Nacim Dilmi, who oversees James Cummings’ Melbourne stable, acknowledged that the mare performs better on the more open track at Flemington, but he believes Saturday’s race serves as an ideal stepping stone to the Australian Cup, which he described as Zardozi’s ‘grand final’.
“She worked over 1200 metres. It looked nice work and she pulled up great after it, and her regular rider Camille was pleased with the way she felt,” Dilmi said.
“This weekend is not her grand final, but if she runs well, we’ll be happy heading into her next race two weeks later.
“Caulfield may not be her ideal track. She performs better at Flemington, but she did run well in the Caulfield Cup, so we’re confident going into this race.”
Zardozi enters Saturday’s event third-up, having resumed in Sydney before finishing third in the Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on March 1.
“Her last start at Flemington was quite strong,” Dilmi said.
“She finished off well, which suggests she is right on track for the Australian Cup as she steps up in trip.
“Jamie Melham was very pleased with her performance and noted that she has returned in excellent condition this preparation after a strong spring campaign.
“She wasn’t far off in the Melbourne Cup, and she seems to be progressing well this time around.”
A total of 13 horses have been nominated for the Peter Young Stakes, including Pride Of Jenni, who has not raced since suffering a bleeding attack in the Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m) at Flemington last November.
The final fields and barrier draw will be released on Wednesday.
