Trainer Joe Pride has confirmed that I Am Zelady will not run in the 2015 Wyong Magic Millions Stakes and will instead be saved for a Benchmark 83 Handicap at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.
I Am Zelady will have the chance to record back-to-back wins at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday. Photo by: Steve Hart
I Am Zelady has performed well in her four race starts since she joined the Pride stable and she stamped herself as a genuine Magic Millions Classic contender when she recorded a strong win in the Goldners Horse Transport Handicap (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens on November 28.
Pride confirmed that I Am Zelady will still press on the $1 million Magic Millions Fillies & Mares Handicap (1300m) at the Gold Coast on January 9 and he is hopeful that she will take winning form into what is sure to be a competitive event.
“She will race on Saturday in what I think is an easy option for her at Rosehill,” Pride said.
“Hopefully she is good enough to win and she would have earnt himself as a spot in the 1300 metres Magic Millions race for mares.
“I have been very pleased with her.”
I Am Zelady joined the Pride stable after she became embroiled in the Sam Kavanagh cobalt controversy and she made her debut for her new trainer when she finished second behind Tennessee Hussy in the Ranvet Handicap (1200m) at Canterbury on June 24 and she was not disgraced when third in the Bledisloe Cup Festival Handicap (1200m) at the same venue on July 8.
The I Am Invincible mare returned to the races with a fourth place finish in the Cellarbrations Kotara Handicap (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens on November 14 and she could hardly have been more impressive when she took out Goldners Horse Transport Handicap.
Pride believes that I Am Zelady took plenty of benefit from her last start victory and he is confident that the mare will be at her peak for the 2016 Magic Millions Fillies & Mares Handicap at the Gold Coast.
“A lot of people noted that day that she looked quite ordinary in the coat and she still performed to a really high level,” Pride said.
“She has really cleaned up in the coat now.
“She is still not quite at her peak, but hopefully that will be on Magic Millions Day.”
I Am Zelady has recorded two wins from her eight race starts, but has already accumulated over $100,000 in prizemoney for connections.
