Racing: No luck of the draw for Zarzuela

The hardest thing in racing yesterday - getting a favourable quote out of the Zarzuela team after the filly drew gate 13 in Saturday's $2.2 million Telecom Derby.

The 2400m might be an extreme distance for 3-year-olds, but barrier draws are important in any major race, regardless of the distance.

Everything has gone to plan for one of the best fillies we've seen in years and it could all be brought undone in the first 120m of Ellerslie in New Zealand's richest classic.

Matamata trainer Mark Walker and premiership leading jockey James McDonald left Ellerslie two weeks ago after Zarzuela won the Championship Stakes with an identical thought: "All we need is a good barrier."

The slight consolation is that the two main dangers, Corporal Jones and Katie Lee, have drawn gates No 11 and No 10.

Unless they get extremely favourable luck, it won't be easy for any of the trio.

Visitor King Raedwald will do it tough from the outside gate of the 15 runners.

There was a dramatic TAB reaction to the barrier draw. When the agency opened it's final field betting yesterday it eased Zarzuela out from the hot $2.20 price to $2.80, a massive percentage increase.

Corporal Jones at $5 and Monaco Consul at $6 both shortened in slightly and fourth favourite Katie Lee remained on $7.

Trainer Andrew Scott, while less than happy with the No 11 barrier, is at least pleased Corporal Jones is drawn inside Zarzuela, setting up what will be a fascinating early tactical battle between James McDonald on Zarzuela and Hong Kong-based Australian jockey Zac Purton on Corporal Jones.

Scott was adamant at Ellerslie after Corporal Jones finished a tight second to Zarzuela in the Championship Stakes that his horse had as much go-forward improvement in her as Zarzuela.

Nothing subsequently has changed his mind. "He worked solidly on Tuesday morning and I'm really happy with him.

"He's the fittest he's been this preparation and will be peaking on the day. He's as healthy as we can get him."

Zarzuela and Monaco Consul came through their final serious gallops with flying colours at Matamata yesterday.

Both worked right-handed 8m out on the course proper, which was good.

Zarzuela (McDonald) was partnered by Minqar Qaim (Anderson), swinging into their work from the winning post and timed to run 1200m in 1:17.1 and the final 600m in an outstanding 35.6.

Both Walker and McDonald were thrilled with Zarzuela's work.

Walker described the light blow she had afterwards as ideal three days out from the Ellerslie classic.

Trainers Mike and Paul Moroney were likewise fully satisfied with Monaco Consul's final hitout, which he completed on his own with regular trackwork rider Reese Jones in the saddle.

He was timed from the winning post in 1:17.5 for 1200m, the last 600m took 36.2 and he broke 12 seconds for his final 200m.

Jones described the work as at least equal to his final gallop before heading to Sydney and winning the Spring Champion Stakes in early October, while the Moroney brothers expressed the belief that the High Chaparral colt has returned to his best at exactly the right time.

Derby market: $2.80 Zarzuela, $5 Corporal Jones, $6 Monaco Consul, $7 Katie Lee, $12 King Raedwald, $14 Handsome Zulu, $21 Imabayboy, $26 Military Move, $31 Time Keeper, Ballybit, $41 Smokin' Gun, $61 Martial Art, No Emotion, Jungle Time, $101 Volgus.

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Interested parties get free entry into Ellerslie's $20,000 Punter Of The Year competition on Derby Day on Saturday. Also up for the taking is the $1000 highest syndicate turnover prize.

Minimum betting fund per syndicate - restricted to two per syndicate - is $1000 and $100 must be spent on each of the 10 races.

A buffet lunch and non-alcoholic beverages will also be supplied to all entrants.

The infield for Saturday will now be transformed to become the Telecom Carnival, featuring iconic Kiwi band The Black Seeds as well as DJs Tim Phin and People of Paris.

Multiple food and beverage options will be available to purchase on the day and the Auckland Racing Club has ensured that prices will be great value.

Racegoers can take advantage of an online-only four tickets for $40 deal before 5pm tomorrow or buy tickets for $20 on the day.

Racegoers can still bring food and unopened non-alcoholic products to public areas on the grandstand side as well as to the Telecom Carnival.

The infield, outside of any licensed area which the club establishes - such as the Telecom Carnival - will now be used solely for parking.

No picnics or boot parties, regardless if they are alcohol free, will be permitted.

NZ DERBY DAY
* Hot favourite Zarzuela yesterday came up with a horror barrier draw.
* The TAB lengthened the high-class filly's odds from $2.20 to $2.80 after she drew 13.
* There will be only two runners outside Zarzuela at the start.
* Two of the other favourites, Corporal Jones and Katie Lee are marginally better off at 11 and 10.