Jockey Greg Childs has Cranbourne filly Zarita (outside) in full stride at Cranbourne Racecourse on Tuesday morning.
By Glen Atwell
‘EXCITING’. It was the only way local trainer Pat Hyland could describe Zarita’s first gallop at Cranbourne Racecourse.
The two-time Group One winner began her campaign for Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup glory with a strong gallop on Tuesday morning, and Hyland, along with jockey Greg Childs, could not have been happier.
“It was her first gallop on the track. Before the run she had only done pace work,” he said. “She went a little wide on the home turn, Greg said she got a bit lost, but aside from that she moved brilliantly.”
Zarita won four of her six starts at Group level in autumn this year, including the Group One Australasian Oaks and the South Australian Derby. The star filly also saluted in consecutive Group Two victories in the Angus Armanasco Stakes and Kewney Stakes. Hyland said it was exciting to have a black-type filly preparing for two of the biggest races in the country.
“It’s not only exciting for me, but for all the race fans in Cranbourne. Zarita has done all her work and preparation in Cranbourne, she’s a genuine local.”
In addition to Zarita’s gallops, which Hyland said will be done weekly; the filly is also completing some light swimming. Her next track outing is likely to be on 3 August, which will be a gallop between races at a Sunday meeting at the Cranbourne Turf Club.
“I’m very thankful for the support of club chief executive Neil Bainbridge, who has allowed Zarita to work on the track,” Hyland said.
