The Champion Answers Back: Regal Zeus Dominates at Caulfield

Regal Zeus has reminded everyone exactly what he is capable of,

producing a brilliant front-running performance at Caulfield to secure

his 12th career victory – and his fourth at the famous track.

 

The John McArdle-trained gelding had been sent out at around $21 in the 1440m Testa Rossa Stakes, with some question marks surrounding his recent form.

But those doubts were quickly put to rest.

Given a brilliant ride by Jamie Mott, Regal Zeus jumped cleanly from barrier one and immediately went forward to take control of the race.

From there, Mott dictated terms beautifully, allowing the veteran galloper to travel comfortably while his main rivals settled behind him.

And when the pressure came in the straight, Regal Zeus simply refused to surrender.

Several runners emerged from the chasing pack, with Lim’s Saltoro, Run Harry Run, Harry’s Yacht and Here To Shock all fighting out the minor placings.

But Regal Zeus continued to find under pressure and held his rivals at bay to secure another memorable victory.

 

A win that wasn’t unexpected

While the $21 starting price suggested the market had its doubts, there was confidence within the Regal Bloodstock camp that the gelding was capable of bouncing back.

His previous run at Sandown-Hillside over 1500m had looked modest on paper, but closer inspection told a different story.

Regal Zeus had been forced to lead into a strong headwind against quality opposition and was still travelling well before the extra distance and conditions ultimately told in the closing stages.

The return to 1440m, dry ground and a favourable barrier at Caulfield represented a very different proposition.

Some smart analysts identified those factors before the race, believing Regal Zeus could produce a much-improved performance if he was able to secure the right run.

That assessment proved spot on.

Caulfield becoming Regal Zeus territory

Saturday’s victory was particularly significant given Regal Zeus’s record at the track.

The win was his fourth at Caulfield, adding another chapter to a career that has now produced 12 victories.

It also demonstrated that despite being further into his racing career, Regal Zeus still possesses the tactical speed, toughness and competitive spirit to take on quality opposition.

His ability to dictate from the front proved decisive on Saturday.

Mott judged the race perfectly, using the inside draw to establish control before keeping enough in reserve to repel the challengers late.

 

The champion answers back

There had been some pre-race discussion about whether Regal Zeus could reproduce the form that has seen him become such a successful racehorse.

He answered that question the best way possible.

On the track.

The victory was a timely reminder that racehorses with a proven winning record deserve plenty of respect, particularly when circumstances begin to fall back in their favour.

For Regal Zeus, those circumstances included his favourite track, a suitable distance, dry ground, a favourable draw and a light 58kg impost.

He made every one of those advantages count.

Credit to the team

McArdle and his team deserve enormous credit for having Regal Zeus in such good order.

The horse had reportedly been thriving in the lead-up to the race, with his coat described as being the best it had been this preparation.

That improvement was evident where it mattered most.

And Mott’s ride was equally important.

From the moment the gates opened, the jockey appeared intent on making the most of Regal Zeus’s tactical advantage, establishing control and forcing his rivals to come around him.

They tried.

But they couldn’t get past.

For Regal Zeus’s owners, it was another special day with a horse who has already provided plenty of memorable moments.

 

Twelve wins, four of them at Caulfield, and another reminder that the champion still knows exactly where the winning post is.

As the old saying goes, never doubt a champion.

Regal Zeus certainly didn’t.

You can watch the replay of Regal Zeus’ win at Caulfield here.