By MIKE DILLON
Patsy Riley is excited about taking volatile galloper Zayyad to the races for the first time in her own name.
Zayyad has not raced since winning the group one Easter Handicap at Ellerslie when trained by her part owner and Riley's longtime partner, the late Rex Sims.
Sims died shortly after the Easter victory and Zayyad, part owned by Takanini trainer Kerry Verner, is now one of five horses Riley trains from her former partner's stables.
Zayyad is topweight with 57kg in the Sydney Turf Club Pykes Sprint at Ellerslie tomorrow and Riley is hoping for a result.
"We don't do a lot of fast work with him, so it's difficult to get a real line on his readiness, but he's a big lean horse who rarely is in need of a race," said Riley.
Despite having won five of his 10 starts, Zayyad has inclined towards the erratic at times, but has learned a lot according to his trainer.
Adonis and Mr Emperor are two Zayyad has to beat.
Adonis gets the prize as New Zealand's most improved galloper and looked good chasing the highly talented Platonic home at Ellerslie last start.
Mr Emperor is underrated and although he drops back early in his races, the No 2 barrier can still be an advantage.
He can produce a huge finish.
Racing: Zayyad improves
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