News

Zac All Fired Up For Second Lion City Cup

21st Apr 2015

Thoroughbred News - by Amelia Lim - Tuesday, 21 April 2015

Classy sprinter Zac Spirit will be presented in tip-top shape in the $500,000 Group 1 Lion City Cup (1200m) this Sunday, but will at the same time face one of his biggest tests thus far.

According to trainer Cliff Brown, the Flying Spur five-year-old will be meeting his toughest opponents since last year’s Group 1 KrisFlyer International Sprint (1200m) last year in which he ran third to Hong Kong’s Lucky Nine.

“It’s a really really good field, I would say this is his biggest test so far, outside the KrisFlyer last year,” said Brown. “You have horses like Emperor Max, War Affair who both trialled very well, and Faaltless.

“Don’t forget Goal Keeper, he ran second to Zac Spirit at his last race.”

However, Brown cannot fault the reigning Singapore champion sprinter’s form as he has pulled up well since his last-start win in the Kranji Sprint, is in good form and, not to forget, he will be in the capable hands of jockey Michael Rodd.

“Zac Spirit has been very well, he has come on from his last race and is in good order, but obviously it is going to be a tough race this year,” said the Australian conditioner.

“He has also been working well. He had two very good gallops on turf on Saturday and Tuesday.

“I couldn’t be happier with where he is now. I can only hope for a good draw on Sunday and it’s all in Michael’s hands now.”

Rodd, who boasts a one-from-one record aboard Zac Spirit, has ridden the star galloper at his recent trackwork and barrier trials, and was pleased with his performance.

“He’s a very good trackworker and when he quickens, he quickens very quickly which is a quality of a very good horse,” said the Melbourne Cup-winning jockey.

“Fitness-wise, he has improved, he is in great condition and he has a very good turn of foot.”

The Australian pilot is hoping to get the box-seat but remains cautious as it is such a strong field with prolific contenders like Singapore Horse of the Year War Affair, who is resuming, and Kiwi Karma.

“I have a lot of respect for my opponents but Kiwi Karma would be a horse that would be hard to run down,” said Rodd.

“But I feel that the biggest threat will still be War Affair as he’s running fresh-up from a break.

“It all depends on the draw as well. So let’s hope that we get a good draw.”

If all works out well, Zac Spirit will then be targeted at the $1 million Group 1 KrisFlyer International Sprint (1200m) on May 17.

“The KrisFlyer is still his main target this year after the Lion City Cup, that is if all goes well,” said Brown.

“Unfortunately he went mad at the barriers last year, but that was a one-off. He won’t do it again this year.”