Trainer John McArdle is banking on third time lucky as Regal Zeus tackles the David Bourke (1620m) at Flemington on Saturday.

The gelding has raced twice before at the track, finishing ninth over 1420m last July and fourth over the mile on May 17.

Despite a strong record—finishing first or second in 10 of his last 13 starts—McArdle admits the Flemington layout may not suit.

“Flemington is probably not his track,” McArdle said.

“He ran fourth there a couple of starts ago and he’s probably better off at Caulfield or The Valley, but that’s where the race is, so that’s where we’ll go.”

The race is a qualifier for the VRC-CRV Winter Championship Final, set for July 5.

Regal Zeus’ only recent blemish came when fifth behind Pride Of Jenni in the Anniversary Vase (1600m).

“He still ran fifth and was a bit soft late, but he did all the chasing,” McArdle said.

With rain forecast, McArdle hopes conditions stay dry, noting, “he’s better on top of the ground.”