Racing: Formlines point to Australian cup victory

Auckland Cup topweight Zavite and handler Daniel Power enjoy a walk around Pukekohe after trackwork yesterday. Photo / Greg Bowker

There are a couple of formlines that tip you into Australian raider Zavite being the one to beat in today's $1 million Stella Artois Auckland Cup.

And both of them are unplaced runs.

But the fourth in the 2400m A$200,000 (NZD$260,000) Herbert Power Handicap at Caulfield last spring was a real indicator for this.

Zavite finished four lengths adrift of eventual Melbourne Cup winner Shocking in the Herbert Power, with Shocking 3 lengths behind the highly talented and one-time Melbourne Cup favourite Alcopop in second place.

You have to believe that is form that not all of this Auckland Cup line-up would manage.

The best feature of that race was that Zavite carried 56kg, Alcopop 54kg and the cup-winning Shocking just 52kg.

Before a couple of weeks ago Zavite hadn't won a race since the Hobart Cup in February last year.

He got significantly knocked about when only seventh in this year's Hobart Cup, but at his only subsequent start won a A$100,000 2500m handicap at Moonee Valley on February 26 carrying 60.5kg.

The rider that day was Damien Oliver, who has made the trip to Auckland for today's big race.

Another useful pointer is Zavite finishing 6.2 lengths from Viewed, the winner of the Caulfield Cup in October, and being just four lengths behind second placegetter, AJC Derby winner Roman Emperor.

Zavite has had just two attempts at today's 3200m for a win in last year's Adelaide Cup and his 19th placing in Shocking's Melbourne Cup.

When he won his first race over 2038m at Mornington in September 2006, Zavite threw out the tip staying was his game and the Zabeel gelding tipped his earnings beyond the million dollars with the Moonee Valley victory last start.

Sydney horseman Anthony Cummings has done a great job of maximising Zavite.

Travelling foreman for Anthony Cummings, Daniel Power is pleased with the horse since arriving at Pukekohe last week.

"He's very well and I've had no cause for concern since we've been here," said Power.

"I was very happy with his final gallop the other day [Saturday]."

Cummings arrived at the stable of Garry Newham and Gareth McRae last night after a flight from Sydney and was delighted with what he saw.

Auckland Cup

* Australian stayer Zavite has the credentials for success.
* His formlines through the likes of Melbourne Cup winner Shocking are solid.
* Zavite will be ridden by Damien Oliver, one of four Australian jockeys riding in the cup.