Simon Miller is renowned as an elite trainer of juveniles and he is hoping to extend that reputation to stayers when Zarantz tackles the Group 2 Perth Cup (2400m) at Ascot on Saturday.
Miller is optimistic he can secure his first Perth Cup victory with Zarantz and surpass his previous best effort when Senhor Da Gama ran third to Western Jewel in 2011.
Zarantz is rated an outside chance in the Perth Cup ($15), but boasts staying pedigree after winning the Albany Cup (2100m) and Pinjarra Cup (2300m) earlier this year.
After previous stints with Stan Bates, Lindsey Smith and Justin Warwick, Zarantz transferred to Miller and has enjoyed four runs under his direction.
His best performance came at Ascot last-start when he ran fourth to Perfect Reflection in the Group 2 Ted Van Heemst Stakes over 2100m, beaten 1 3/4 lengths.
Miller said Zarantz, a winner of 7 races from 33 starts and $360,262 in prizemoney, would be at peak fitness for the Perth Cup.
“It’s been my aim to peak him or the Perth Cup,” Miller said on the Sports Daily.
“He has gradually been building up.
“His last run was good and there is still something left in him.
“He is bang on and as good as I can get him.
“I give him a sneaky chance.
“He is going to look the winner at some stage.
“I think the $15 is a great bet.”
Zarantz will be ridden by Brad Parnham. The Choisir gelding, on the 54kg minimum, has drawn gate 4.
Miller rates Star Exhibit, one of five starters for Jason Miller and Geoff Durrant, as the hardest to beat.
Julio Santarelli