3 minute read

Canberra based trainer Nick Olive is confident speedy grey Zaratone can bounce back to form at Rosehill Gardens tomorrow following his recent flop at Flemington last start.

Finishing well back in Listed company, Olive was quick to dismiss the performance as he claimed it was a big forgive run after he got totally lost down the straight.

“You can pretty much forget he went around that day, he didn't handle it all and it really wasn't an accurate representation of well he has been working,” Olive said.

A proven sprinter at Stakes Company having taken out the Group 3 Sebring Stakes earlier this year Olive claims he couldn't be happier with how Zaratone is travelling heading into the race.

“The horse is going great at the moment, I couldn't be happier with him,” Olive said.

“His work has been fantastic he looks great he's back racing at his favourite track and is racing over his pet distance.”

However Olive's only concern heading into the race was the amount of weight the son of Zariz had been allotted for the race.

“The only thing I am worried about is the big weight, it does tend to slow him down a bit,” Olive said.

With noted speedsters Welkom Gold, Pentasia, Anevay and Number One Gun all engaged Olive said he will be not be looking to change his racing pattern and will look to lead.

“He hasn't favoured the best drawing out because there is a lot of speed drawn inside him, although we're not going to change any plans with him now, he's still going to be hunted up to lead.”

In a bid to offset the 60.5kg, Olive has elected to engage Canberra based apprentice Taylor Lovelock – Wiggins who has only just recently made his return to racing.

“It's great to have him [Taylor Lovelock-Wiggins] back in the saddle, he's come back really focused and has been riding in great form,” Olive said.