Zanardee’s Lane takes a turn for the better this time
By Neil Evans
Zanardee’s Lane did not show his real potential in a stop-start first campaign last summer, but winter is a different season for the promising four-year-old.
On the first day of the new season at Taree today, the exciting sprinter is aiming for back-to-back wins to send a second preparation into overdrive before connections take aim at bigger country carnivals or even a midweek metropolitan race.
Champion jockey Aaron Bullock has a strong book at Taree on Tuesday. Credit: Getty
Zanardee’s Lane had not raced since a fast-finishing second at Coffs Harbour in early March, but he returned in dominant maiden win at Grafton 16 days ago over 1100m from off speed and with plenty in hand.
He now steps up significantly to a class 2 handicap over 1250m, and importantly with newly crowned champion NSW jockey Aaron Bullock taking over in the saddle.
Zanardee’s Lane has always had an ability to peel off a big final 400m from back in the field, even when it did not go to plan across his early starts. But the way he let down late at Grafton suggests that much bigger wins are in store, and a Saturday Highway target up to 1400m looks likely in the next month if all goes to plan.
Coffs Harbour trainer Sally Tayor has found a fairly moderate line-up for this class, although consistent home-track mare Tayla’s One looks a threat after a heavy track win in similar company here a fortnight ago.
Zanardee’s Lane was around $3.90 in early betting and is part of another strong book of rides for Bullock, who can pick up where he left off last season.
Bullock rode three of the seven winners at Muswellbrook on Sunday, and he closed the season with another treble at Wellington yesterday from seven races.
He also gets aboard strong chances Noci Di Cocco and Miss Shalaa at Taree on Tuesday.
Supplied by Racing NSW
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au