Zavite primed for Auckland Cup

TOUGH front-running Australian stayer Zavite will look to add another chapter to his remarkable record when he contests Wednesday's $1 million Stella Artois Auckland Cup at Ellerslie.

Edward Cummings, son of Zavite's Sydney-based trainer Anthony Cummings, said it is a miracle the son of Zabeel ever made it to the races, let alone become a major winner.

"He broke his pelvis as a two-year-old and we didn't think there was much hope of his even starting his racing career," said Cummings, who is also the stable's racing manager.

"Fortunately he had very patient owners who were prepared to wait for him to get over the injury and become sound.

"As he was by Zabeel, they realised he would take time to mature in any case." Zavite made his debut as a late three-year-old and posted his first win as a spring four-year-old.

He has gone on to win nine races (with successes in four states) including last year's Group II Adelaide Cup over 3200 metres.

Zavite subsequently finished fourth in last October's Caulfield Cup (2400m) before being unplaced in the Melbourne Cup.

Zavite clinched his trip across the Tasman when he blitzed his rivals in the Moonee Valley Night Cup (2500m) on February 26 when he carried 60.5kg. The seven-year-old drops to 57.5kg at Ellerslie.

"He travelled across the ditch on Monday and has settled in terrifically well at Pukekohe," said Cummings, who is based with former Australian trainer Garry Newham.

"He is a natural born stayer who relaxes well in the lead. He picks up the tempo as they go along and he will see out the 3200m without a problem."

Zavite was ridden by champion jockey Damien Oliver in his Moonee Valley success and he will be aboard again at Ellerslie. Zavite's sire, Cambridge Stud champion Zabeel, has already sired four Auckland Cup winners – Jezabeel (1998), Able Master (2000), Our Unicorn (2001) and Bazelle (2005).

- © Fairfax NZ News