Roger James came out with a statement yesterday he never thought he'd hear himself say - "I don't think Zonda can win on Saturday."
The horse he has more faith in than any that have passed through his outstanding stable, can't win tomorrow's $130,000 Thorndon Mile at Trentham according the James.
"If he can win at 1600m with 59kg he'll have to be better than even I think he is."
James has had to commit Zonda to an unsuitable race because it is his only option before heading to the Australian Cup at Flemington.
The distance more than the weight is worrying James, more specifically with Zonda having to drop back from 2000m to 1600m.
The Oaks Classic win at Ellerslie has bled the speed off Zonda for 1600m, but what will help him is that there is certain to be real pace, which will assist his finishing burst.
And class can tell.
James nominates as the likely winner Giovana, the mare he took over training to take the Queensland Oaks last winter.
"She comes into the race nice and fresh after only three runs this campaign," he says.
Country Rose was probably unlucky not to win the Ellerslie equivalent of this race after being squeezed out at the start.
Racing: Distance a worry
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