Trainer Matt Smith is confident the conditions at Rosehill Gardens will suit Zin Zan Eddie, when the six-year-old steps out for the Listed Winter Challenge (1500m) on Saturday.
Zin Zan Eddie will relish damp conditions in the Winter Challenge at Rosehill on Saturday. Photo: Steve Hart
Zin Zan Eddie has proven ability on racing surfaces of all grades and integrities, but has displayed a clear affiliation with wet tracks particularly; yet to finish outside the places on any track rated in the ‘Heavy’ range.
Having run on for a close second behind Oxford Poet in the Listed Winter Stakes (1400m) on a soft track two weeks ago, Smith told AAP the Zizou gelding has taken plenty of benefit from the run and is hopeful Sydney’s cool weather this week maintains a soft racing surface at Rosehill.
“He runs well on all surfaces but he’s beaten Group horses on wet ground,” Smith said.
“He is a superior wet tracker and the dry weather takes away a bit of his advantage but the track will still be slow.
“As long as it’s got some give in it, that the main thing.”
Zin Zan Eddie has been a strong and consistent performer for Smith through his entire racing career so far; posting five wins and a further eleven minors through twenty-eight competitive appearances since his debut in 2012.
Arguably finding career-best form to date through the early stages of this year, Zin Zan Eddie placed third in the talent-rich McGrath Estate Agents BM83 (1550m) before breaking through for his maiden black type win in the Listed Carrington Stakes (1400m) on January 23rd.
Smith has also included Zayam in Winter Challenge nominations earlier this week, but revealed he is likely to run the French import in a Benchmark 85 race over 2000m instead.
“I’m leaning to the 2000 metre race. He has won over 2000 metres at Randwick and 1800 at Rosehill and I think he will be better over more ground,” Smith said.
Smith’s runners were included amongst a group of seventeen Winter Challenge nominations on Monday, and Zin Zan Eddie is expected to be confirmed amongst the final field, following the completion of a barrier on Wednesday.
