Zaaki in good health & on track to run in Mackinnon Stakes

[Wandering Eyes]

After being a shock withdrawal on the morning of the Cox Plate due to an elevated temperature, star galloper Zaaki looks a very good chance to return to the races this Spring Carnival.

The English import had won five-straight races before going down as a $1.30 favourite in the Might And Power Stakes, but despite the defeat, he was set to start in last Saturday’s Moonee Valley feature as a $2.80 market elect.

On Tuesday afternoon, the stable reported via Twitter that the son of Leroidesanimaux is back on track for a tilt at the Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington on Saturday week.

“Zaaki is enjoying the sunshine with @Marchellirapha1 (strapper Raphael Marchelli) this afternoon,” trainer Annabel Neasham’s update read.

“His latest blood tests look good so providing we are 100% happy with him leading into next week, we will head to the @FlemingtonVRC Mackinnon.”

*ZAAKI UPDATE*: Zaaki is enjoying the sunshine with @Marchellirapha1 this afternoon His latest blood tests look good so providing we are 100% happy with him leading into next week, we will head to the @FlemingtonVRC Mackinnon. pic.twitter.com/RS9tLHqipY

— Annabel Neasham Racing (@ANeashamRacing) October 26, 2021

Zaaki is the $2.60 favourite with Sportsbet.com.au for the 2000m feature on November 6, where a potential clash against Cox Plate winner State Of Rest beckons.

Neasham could also have Mo’unga line up in the race as well, with bookmakers marking the Rosehill Guineas winner as a $12 chance.

Looking at this weekend now, Neasham is set to unearth two international runners in the $7.5 million Golden Eagle at Rosehill Gardens as both Law of Indices and Reve De Vol make their first Australian start.

Law Of Indices gets his head in front after a good run of efforts in some competitive races!

However I was thrilled with the run of Thunder Moon in 2nd, he’s taken a lot of stick so far this season but he’s shown something near to his best 2yo form herepic.twitter.com/seWdhckY1W

— Grant James Thomas (@Grant_Some92) July 11, 2021

“They’ve been in quarantine at Canterbury for two weeks,” Neasham’s stable representative, Alix Turpin, told Sky Racing.

“They came out on Saturday; came out to Warwick Farm and they’ve settled in really well – loving the Australian weather so far.

“They both worked together this morning (Tuesday); Annabel seems very happy, so looking forward to seeing them line up on Saturday.

“Annabel is really keen to see where we can go with them both, they look both tough, strong horses.”

Law Of Indices was a Group 1 winner in the Prix Jean Prat at Deauville in July, defeating fellow Group 1 winner Thunder Moon.

Law Of Indices will be partnered by Tommy Berry from barrier 19 in the Golden Eagle, while his stablemate will jump from gate nine under Brodie Loy in the 1500m feature.

A Listed winner in Ireland (also Group 2 and 3 placed), Reve De Vol has been acquired and will venture to Australia for @ANeashamRacing next month.

Fresh off the plane, the $7.5m Golden Eagle is an option for the European 3yo by @AgaKhanStuds Siyouni.

Exciting times ahead. pic.twitter.com/kXaaNdCtoA

— OTI Racing (@OTIRacing) September 12, 2021

The OTI Racing-owned Reve De Vol won the Listed Orby Stakes at the Curragh over the Joseph O’Brien-trained Patrick Sarsfield in June, and he has since been runner-up at Group 3 level.

Law Of Indices is a drifting $16 chance after drawing wide, while Reve De Vol is a $26 chance with online bookmakers.

Toorak Handicap winner I’m Thunderstruck is the $4.50 favourite for the Golden Eagle after drawing barrier 10, while Epsom Handicap winner Private Eye is out to $7 since drawing barrier 17.

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