KEY POINTS:
The late arrival of summer could well play into the hooves of Zvezda for the $25,000 Woodville-Pahiatua Cup today.
Zvezda has a tendency to jar up when racing regularly on firm ground and consequently is not one who will have been inconvenienced by the cold and wet December.
"Training on the softer ground at this time of the year has been quite good for him," said Peter Lane, husband of the horse's Otaki trainer Kay.
Zvezda was second-to-last of 11 runners when resuming in the group three $80,000 weight-for-age Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m) at Awapuni on December 23 after making the pace.
But his rider, Hayden Tinsley, was happy enough with the effort and Lane said the 8-year-old gelding should be much improved by the outing.
"Definitely. Hayden said he felt really good; he just blew out the last bit."
Lane said Zvezda had shaped well in training.
Zvezda, winner of the group one Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham in 2003, was retired from racing when he tore a ligament in 2005.
But he made such a good recovery that he resumed racing eight months later.
He has not regained his very best form but his class should take him a long way in today's race, which features a moderate line-up.
Hopes remain that Zvezda can again be competitive at the top level and is an entry for the Thorndon Mile at Trentham on January 27.
"He loves the training and racing environment, loves being around the stable," Lane said.
- NZPA
