Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr’s stable has identified two significant Group 1, 2000m races at Flemington as key targets for their charge, Zambardo.
The prestigious Cox Plate, scheduled for October 24 and relocated from Moonee Valley this year due to its redevelopment, along with the Champions Stakes two weeks later, are firmly on Price’s radar.
Zambardo’s sole previous outing at Flemington was last year’s Champions Stakes during Melbourne Cup week, where he finished behind the winner, Via Sistina.
The gelding’s autumn and winter campaign in Sydney and Brisbane proved to be underwhelming, according to Price.
Following mid-field finishes at Randwick and Gosford, Zambardo found favourable wet conditions at Rosehill, securing a second place in the Lord Mayors Cup before his journey to Brisbane.
In the Q22 at Eagle Farm, Zambardo struggled with the slow pace, finishing ahead of only two other competitors.
After a spell in Queensland’s warmer climate, Zambardo made a solid return with a third-place finish over 1500m at Sandown on September 5. He now looks set to contest the Group 2 Feehan Stakes (1600m) at Caulfield this Sunday, aiming to bolster his Cox Plate aspirations.
Price indicated that Zambardo would then proceed to the Might And Power Stakes (formerly Globe Stakes) at Caulfield on October 10, before a potential tilt at the Cox Plate.
“He was great first-up,” Price remarked.
“It was what I expected off his trial after his little winter sojourn wasn’t so successful.
“I’m putting a circle around the 2000 metres at Flemington where he will be very well suited, especially if he gets his toe in the ground.
“He might not be good enough, but I don’t think it will be a huge field, and there are no internationals coming.
“One thing is, he’ll be cherry on the day.”
Small fields have been a common feature of the Feehan Stakes in recent years, with Pride Of Jenni dominating the last two editions.
Pride Of Jenni is set to compete again on Sunday, facing a field of only five rivals, including Mr Brightside and Treasurethe Moment, who have both previously finished second to the mare.
Check out the latest racing odds for the Feehan Stakes at Australian betting sites.
