It runs counter to common sense, but then sheer class in racehorses has no time for common sense.
Zonda can win at Trentham this afternoon, despite the fact there are people who will go racing today who don't even remember him.
His rider Michael Walker was more than a year away from finishing school when Zonda last raced, three months short of three years ago.
Hardly a background for success, but Zonda has such extraordinary ability and so much work has been put into his comeback that, even with 57.5kg, he will take plenty of holding out in the Dixon and Dunlop 1400.
His trainer Roger James has a strong chance closer to home with Danamite in the $60,000 Auto Auctions Avondale Guineas, although the improving 3-year-old has a major hurdle to overcome in the form of South Islander Sir Clive.
Co-trainer Peter Williams is delighted with the progress of Sir Clive, who has always looked a potential stayer and who gets his first opportunity beyond 1600m today. Williams is certain Sir Clive will have no problem with his first race on a right-handed track.
James says Danamite has gone forward since finishing third to Tit for Taat in the 2000 Guineas at Riccarton. "That was not my preferred option with him, I wanted to run him in the Waikato Guineas, but when the track became wet I was basically forced to switch to Riccarton.
"I have to say the trip was enormously good for him. It turned him around mentally and physically."
With so many 3-year-olds developing rapidly, there are several strong chances for the minors, Kings Honor, La Bella Dama, Deebee Belle and Mick are all worthy of inclusion in the trifecta.
Forget Capebay (No2, R1) was beaten at Ellerslie last week. She had her chances ruined when she slipped coming out of the barrier. Her second the previous start suggested a win was close and this could be it. Scheherezade (No1) looks on the verge of her best form.
How stiff was The Best Move (No1, R4) to run into one as good as Run Forest Run at Ellerslie last week. Provided he has taken no harm from that - and Moira Murdoch wouldn't be lining up if he had - then this race should be his. Valley Of Dreams (No6) and Mighty Mac (No4) are trifecta chances.
Catherine (No2, R6) looked as though 1600m was too short for her at Te Rapa last start. No horse will appreciate the jump in distance to 2200m more than her. Look for an improved run from Jockular (No5). That was a useful effort of his at Counties last start and this race, apart from the No17 barrier draw, looks ideal for him.
Edberg (No3, R8) looked on the verge of his career best form when he bombed the leaders to win over 1600m at Counties last start. The move up in distance should only help him further in a race which has many chances. Ngaio (No8), Tokyo Beau (No9) and Cypress Bay (No5) are all capable of going close.
With any sort of average luck Angel Baby (No1, R9) would have won a lot more races. She is dropping way back in class for this race and a 1.5kg apprentice allowance brings her weight down to a more managable 56kg. She runs out a strong 1600m and if there is any justice she will go close. Acuity (No2) and Tycoon Jack (No15) are strong opponents.
Plenty of chances in the last but Double Dazzle (No3) looks a filly of real promise. She had to cover extra ground to get handy behind St Therese last week at Ellerslie and will find this easier from an inside barrier. Blaze Away (No2) did remarkably well to finish fourth to Run Forest Run after starting from the extreme outside barrier at Ellerslie and has a much stronger chance in this field from a closer draw.
Racing: Classy Zonda should win even after long absence
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