In-form Casuarina trainer Lindsey Smith has opted for a patient approach and will bypass the Perth Cup (2400m) with his ultra impressive gelding, Zarantz.
Zarantz ended an outstanding winter campaign with four consecutive wins, sparking debate he would be set for the Group 2 feature on New Year’s Day.
But Smith has shelved Perth Cup plans for at least a year and will instead map out plans to contest a series of Country Cups in 2015.
“I will go with my original plan and aim for the Geraldton Cup,” said Smith.
“I will then look at Kalgoorlie and maybe the Perth Cup.
“Tackling the Pinjarra and Bunbury Cup is not an option.
“It’s a long way out and a lot of things have to happen yet.
“He is a big kid and I think we should nurse him through the next few stages.
“I thought giving him a trip to Geraldton would toughen him up a bit.
“He could then go to the Coolgardie, Boulder and Kalgoorlie cups.”
Zarantz was last seen at Belmont on September 13 when he outpointed Paseo Del Prado by a dominant 1 ¼ lengths over 2100m.
Paseo Del Prado franked the form line when he held out Starlight Lady by a similar margin and over the same distance at Belmont on Saturday.
The Geraldton Cup will staged
Meanwhile stable mate Silver Magic Ships is set to return in a 1200m event at Belmont’s season-ending meeting on Saturday.
The Sebring filly hasn’t missed a cheque since debuting at Belmont in July, winning once and placing twice from her three starts.
The three-year-old was spelled after going down to Outlaw Pete by a long-neck after attempting to lead all-the-way over 1600m in August.
“We will kick her back in distance and maybe ride her a little bit quiet over 1200m instead of doing all the bullocking work,” said Smith.
“We will wait and see if she appreciates that sort of style.
“I’m looking forward to taking her to the races.”
Julio Santarelli RWWA