ZARDOZI’S lightweight of 51 kilograms is the key advantage for the four-year-old mare in her bid to land James Cummings his first Caulfield Cup according to the trainer.
The Cummings name is synonymous with the Caulfield Cup as James’ legendary grandfather Bart won it a record seven times.
“Dropping back in the handicaps (51kg) really suits Zardozi beautifully,” Cummings said.
“She’s not a big mare but what she lacks in stride length she makes up for in heart.”
Zardozi is also adept on wet ground with two wins from two starts on soft tracks.
“There’s no doubt she’s the most promising young stayer in our stable and our only nomination in the Melbourne Cup.”
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“We are justifiably nervous about her chances of winning on Saturday because her preparation has gone beautifully with that run over a mile-and-a-half under her belt in The Metropolitan.”
“She meets Land Legend 3kg better at the weights, so it’s all aligning beautifully for her to look pretty good in the lead-up to the challenge this year.”
Zardozi has had three starts at the staying trip of 2400m for a win in the VRC Oaks, a second in the ATC Oaks and a second in the Metropolitan Handicap at her last start.
“She’s a home-grown beauty of ours,” he said.
Cummings said Andrea Atenzi, the Italian Hong Kong based jockey, was a wonderful rider who could ride light.
“With his international experience and his success in the Godolphin silks, there’s a lot to be said for him flying in on the day and for him crossing the line first on Zardozi.”
“A rider with soft hands who has the European riding style, who could suit a horse like her, could be a bit of a weapon.”
“It’s a race that’s dominated by the lightweights this year, there’s been plenty made of the fact we’ve only got a 55kg top weight.”
Zardozi is $7.50 with PlayUp to win the Caulfield Cup.
