Zaaki’s in box seat for Plate tilt

COX Plate favourite Zaaki has drawn perfectly in barrier six in Saturday’s $5m Australasian weight-for-age championship.

It came after the Annabel Neasham-trained sensation shaded stablemate Mo’unga, who came up with barrier four, in a slick piece of work at The Valley on Tuesday.

Sydney-based Neasham’s assistant trainer Todd Pollard, on the ground at The Valley, was thrilled with what he saw.

“Zaaki seems to be going really well,” Pollard said.

“Had no issues coming through (last start) and it’s good to see him gallop really well the two times he’s come here. Leading into (the Might And Power) wasn’t an ideal gallop on the Tuesday.

“He just got a bit too far off his workmate and had to do too much work.

“(Track rider) Raphael (Marchelli) rode him perfectly (on Tuesday), sat right on Mo’unga and didn’t let the horse get away. He worked strongly through the line, which was pleasing to see.”

Zaaki, a firm $2.80 favourite, was unchanged in TAB’s market after the draw, along with Anamoe ($4), Verry Elleegant ($7) and Gold Trip ($9).

“Especially when he’s (Zaaki) looking around these new courses, it’s good to have him come here for a second time,” Pollard said.

“It was what we wanted … (Marchelli) kept Zaaki focused and on the job and probably kept Mo’unga up to the job.”

While Caulfield potentially brought Zaaki undone last start, the imported gelding has appeared far better suited at The Valley.

“You come from Sydney and quite often they don’t handle the (Caulfield) track, but

they come to Moonee Valley and they get on so much better with it. On his two pieces of work he’s got around the track perfect,” Pollard said.

Zaaki and Mo’unga wound down at the beach on Tuesday before Pollard wrapped them “in cotton wool” for Saturday’s grand final.

“It’s good to get this out of the way, get a bit of pressure off our backs to see them both work well and as long as they come through it, we’ll get them here in good shape on Saturday,” Pollard said.

Caulfield Guineas runnerup Captivant firmed $21 into $17 after drawing barrier one.

Exciting Godolphin colt Anamoe will jump from the outside barrier (10), with Verry Elleegant (nine) and State Of Rest (eight), the sole international-trained entrant, to his inside.

2019 Cox Plate-winning jockey Damian Lane gave Verry Elleegant his tick of approval after the “maintenance” gallop.

“He’ll (trainer Chris Waller) certainly get the thumbs up from me this morning.” Lane said, confident Verry Elleegant has the class to bounce back after having her disappointing Group 1 Turnbull Stakes run.

“She’s a champion and she won’t stay down for too long.

“The Cox Plate has a funny way of finding the best horse to win the race and hopefully that happens this time around.”