Mazu to rely on spirit for big trip
Trainer Peter Snowden is relying on Mazu’s competitive spirit to overcome any stamina issues in the Group 1 $1.5m Schweppes All Aged Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
Mazu hasn’t won beyond 1200m and he has only been as far as 1300m under race conditions once previously, raising some concerns about the gelding’s ability to run a strong 1400m at the highest level.
But Snowden is confident Mazu will get the trip as the four- yearold strives for his first win this season.
“Mazu is very genuine and with horses like him, even when they are on keep finding,’’
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Snowden said.
“He ran out 1300m strongly last preparation (second to Private Eye in the Nature Strip Stakes) after having a few hard runs earlier in the spring. He should run the 1400m strongly.’’
Mazu, who is trained by Snowden in partnership with his son, Paul, is at $8 in overnight betting for the All Aged Stakes, the final Group 1 race in Sydney this season with The Everest winner Giga Kick the TAB Fixed Odds favourite at $3.30.
Giga Kick came a close last start second to I Wish I Win in the TJ Smith Stakes two weeks ago with Mazu finishing third.
Mazu also ran third in Giga Kick’s The Everest last spring but Snowden believes his gelding can make the necessary improvement to be in the finish of the All Aged Stakes.
“I feel Mazu hasn’t peaked yet this campaign and I think his best efforts are to come – I hope it is Saturday in the All Aged,’’ Snowden said.
Mazu, the only sprinter so far selected for the $15m The Everest later this year, is likely to have his autumn campaign extended beyond the All Aged Stakes.
“We will only have time to give Mazu a short spell if we take him to Brisbane again.
“But he’s not the type of horse we want to leave in the paddock for too long,’’ Snowden said.