Trotter scores first-up from 34-month ‘retirement’

FORMER high class youngster Zenith Stride has kick-off his career resurrection in the perfect manner.

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.

Failing to receive the patronage his racing credentials and bloodline warrant, Zenith Stride was gelded last year before eventually finding his way to New South Wales horseman David Aiken.

“Belinda Geary was working him up when he caught my eye, so I asked Emilio what he was going to do with him, which is how he came to my stable,” Aiken explained. “We’ve given him plenty of time and he has come up nicely.

“I’m not sure how far he can go, but even though he is an eight-year-old, he’s only had 17 starts and still well rated.”

Fast forward to yesterday’s Club Menangle meeting and Zenith Stride proved too good in a Carousel Prelude in what is the squaregaiter’s first win since December 2021.

With Cameron Hart holding the reins, Zenith Stride completed a two-and-a-half metre win from Last Clansman, with Sunny Gee a metre-and-a-half away third in 2:00.6 over 2300 metres.

“I knew he was forward enough to win despite being off for so long,” Aiken said. “He had a good trial last week and had picked up in his work since.

“He will derive a lot of benefit from that run, and with the Final another 11 days later, it fits in perfectly for him.”