Those who know flying sprinter Mazu best are certain the step-up to 1300m will be to his advantage in Saturday’s Nature Strip Stakes at Rosehill.
There is a lot on the line in the Nature Strip. As well as carrying a $3 million purse, it will also decide the Sydney Sprint Series.
Sam Clipperton salutes as he returns on Mazu after winning the Doomben 10,000.
The winner of the point score, which incorporated The Everest lead-ups and also Sydney’s showcase race and the Sydney Stakes, will get $2.5 million.
It means the winner of the Nature Strip could walk away with more than $4.2m, with Mazu one of the contenders.
“We don’t need to worry about that because it will take care of itself,” Mazu’s co-trainer Paul Snowden said. “We are there to win a race on Saturday that we have been very interested to get him right from the start of the preparation.
“He has never been past 1200m in his life, but I have always thought he would make a good miler.
“I think as he has got into his preparation, he is getting more relaxed, especially against these good sprinters and the extra trip will be in his favour because it will bring the best out of him.”
Mazu was one of the late chargers in The Everest, finishing third behind Giga Kick and Private Eye, who is a rival again on Saturday.
It gave jockey Sam Clipperton even more confidence for the 1300m test around Rosehill.
“He has always been a horse that wants to get it over and done with, and that’s why he has been so brilliant as sprinter,” Clipperton said.
“But I think we are starting to see him relax and that seven furlongs [1400m] could be his best trip because he can really conserve energy and come with a big run late.
“We have drawn the inside gate [barrier one], which will get him in the right spot and if he can space at the right time I think he will be the strongest horse in the race.”
Half of the 12 runners in the Nature Strip are eligible for the Sydney Sprint Series bonuses, which will be paid down to fifth on the standings after Saturday’s race.
The John O’Shea-trained Lost And Running is the $2.70 favourite, despite being ruled of The Everest on race morning. He has had barrier trialled since and punters believe he will get a consolation prize for the bad luck of two weeks ago.
“He is fine, we just needed to treat him, which we couldn’t do under the rules,” O’Shea said. “He is ready to go.”
Everest placegetters Mazu and Private Eye are next in betting at $3.80 and $5.50 respectively, while last year’s winner of the race Eduardo is a $6.50 chance.
Eduardo has won four of his five starts at Rosehill and Joe Pride is not counting out the natural front-runner even after his failure in The Everest.
“I love this horse. He is a very special horse to us and I just want to see him doing what he’s capable of doing,” he said.
“The horse is great. He won this race last year and he has always raced well at Rosehill. I just need a bounce back from him.”
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
