JAMES Cummings three-year-old filly Zardozi will be in peak condition, and he’s declared it’s game on for her rematch with Kiwi star Orchestral in the Star Australian Oaks at Randwick on Saturday.
Cummings said his filly with a good run in the race will get her chance to turn the tables on Orchestral.
Orchestral defeated Zardozi by 1.3 lengths when she finished third to her in the Vinery Stakes at Rosehill.
Cummings said punters only had to remember Zardozi’s impressive win in the VRC Oaks last spring to know she is a “hugely competitive chance.”
“Zardozi has gone ahead since that lead-up to the Vinery.”
“There’s a lot to be said for the match practice that Zardozi lacked when the pressure went on in the Vinery.”
“She’s got that now, therefore I think she’s going to be ready to fire.”
“Having had that solid lung-burning run over 2,000m in the Vinery, Zardozi is going to be well set up for the Australian Oaks.”
“There’s no doubt her VRC Oaks performance would have her a hugely competitive chance, even against the very impressive New Zealand filly Orchestral.”
“I think this a pretty exciting edition of the Oaks and Zardozi gets an opportunity to rubber-stamp what she did in the spring by going to better ground than what we saw last weekend.”
“Hopefully, with the right run through and being able to put herself into the race, she’ll give herself a chance to turn the tables.”
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“I don’t think we should be cute about it, I think it should be a proper staying test.”
“There’s no secret Zardozi likes to be ridden quietly so, from the draw, I think she’ll just go about her business for the first half.”
“It should be game on for the Oaks this weekend.”
Orchestral is a $1.60 favourite with PlayUp and Zardozi is $4.40.
Cummings said his remarkable galloper Cascadian would again be suited by the fast speed Pride Of Jenni will ensure in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
Cummings said this was Cascadian’s last campaign and he hinted it could be his last run.
“Cascadian means business, I saw him bowl around this morning at Osborne Park and he looked magnificent.”
“He was breathtaking in a piece of work this week, so there’s no doubt he’s gone right ahead with that win in the Australian Cup.”
“That was a very solidly run Australian Cup and he lapped it up.”
“He just keeps running top races when the pace is right on.”
“He’s got a lethal turn of foot, as good as the horses who are backmarkers in this race.”
Cascadian is a $9 chance with PlayUp to win the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
