Primed to continue career resurrection
COMPLETING a perfect racing return a fortnight ago, former high class youngster Zenith Stride is primed to continue his career resurrection this weekend.
An American purchase for New South Wales couple Emilio and Maria Rosati, Zenith Stride captured the prestigious Peter Haughton Memorial at The Meadowlands on Hambletonian Day in 2020.
Given 13 starts in his homeland, the trotter registered four wins and four placings for earnings of $370,760.
Transferred to Victorian horseman Chris Lang in 2023, Zenith Stride was unplaced from three outings before being retired to stud after his run in Yarra Valley on November 7.
Failing to receive the patronage his racing credentials and bloodline deserve, Zenith Stride was gelded last year before eventually finding his way to New South Wales horseman David Aiken.
Making his debut for Aiken at Club Menangle on September 8, Zenith Stride captured a Trotters’ Carousel Prelude in 2:00.8 over 2300 metres.
“I knew he was forward enough to win despite being off for so long,” Aiken said. “He’d had a good trial the week before and his work improved between that and his first start.
“The important part is he has come through that run in super condition and has tightened right up since.
“He’s ready to go again on Saturday night.”
As a result of his comeback success, Zenith Stride will tackle the Final, in which he has drawn barrier eight.
Cameron Hart will once again partner the son of Muscle Hill.
“Like I said, he has derived a lot of benefit from that run and has really pleased me with his progress,” Aiken said. “The draw makes it tough, but I’m pretty confident with him.
“This is a very winnable race and I’ll be disappointed if he is not right in the finish.”
Runner-up during his last two starts, including at Club Menangle yesterday, Should Beabarca shapes as the main danger from barrier two.
The son of Major Bronski is one of two Kerry Towers-trained runners in the field, with the astute horsewoman also represented by Itzfergietime in gate eight.