Racing: Minor injury changes lead-up to Cup mission

Big Wellington Cup chance Zabeat is a surprise scratching at Trentham tomorrow - but he is still on target for the rich two-miler tomorrow week.

A minor hoof injury has forced trainers Donna and Dean Logan to withdraw their Auckland Cup placegetter from the lead-up.

The Rhythm gelding will instead tune up for the Wellington Cup in the Cup Trial at Trentham on Monday.

"He was just a bit tender in the off fore after getting new shoes on Monday," said Donna Logan.

"I would have preferred to run him on Saturday but it's not a major that he's running Monday instead.

"I wouldn't be fussed if he didn't run again before the cup. It's just a good chance for a clean-out."

Logan said Zabeat had maintained his fitness since his brave run for third behind Bazelle at Ellerslie.

With the Ruakaka beach on his door step, she has been able to keep the pressure off the injured foot and still get enough work into him.

"He's the type of horse anyway that once you get him up to the right fitness level, it's not hard to keep him there."

Logan admits Wellington wasn't originally on the agenda for Zabeat.

She was confident he would win at Ellerslie, then be rested for riches across the Tasman.

But he has come through his first 3200m race so well, Logan was keen to give him a chance to show his true ability on track conditions he prefers.

Logan is convinced Zabeat was tripped up by the rain-affected going at Ellerslie on New Year's Day.

"He really was struggling in the going," she said. "He galloped on himself during the race and you don't do that when you're handling the ground.

"When it's firm he can spring out of it more and finish it off."

Options after Wellington for Zabeat include a start in either the Sydney or the Brisbane Cups.

Meanwhile, Logan is looking forward to her promising maidens stepping out at Avondale tomorrow.

She rates Giant Strides and Mistral Wind winning chances.