Statistics show that Heart Testa has the edge to turn the tables on Zaratone in the Listed $100,000 Razor Sharp Handicap (1150m) on the Kensington track at Randwick on Saturday.
Jason Collett and Heart Testa winning at Rosehill two starts ago. Photo by Steve Hart.
Heart Testa will meet Zaratone on 2kgs better terms after finishing one and three quarter lengths behind the Bjorn Baker trained speedster in the Listed $100,000 Blackwoods Alemlube Starlight Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill two weeks ago.
And Jason Collett is certain to take advantage of the favourable barrier draw and have Heart Testa in a beautiful trailing position while Kathy O’Hara, who is returning to riding after a nasty fall two weeks ago, will have to use Zaratone’s early speed to cross the field from the outside gate.
“We have good gate and the speed in the race is drawn wide,” trainer Chris Waller said.
“They will be working hard to cross us that is for sure.
“The horse is racing well, he came through that last start no problems, and he deserves a Listed win next to his name.”
Heart Testa was also on the end of some severe interference midrace and both Collett and Waller believe the four year old should have finished a lot closer at Rosehill.
“When I was tightened about the 700m-800m Zaratone quickened up,” Collet told the Sportsman.
“I’d lost two lengths and had to try and make that back up and when you are chasing you don’t want to overdo it between the 600m and 400m.”
Zaratone is pretty one dimensional where as my horse can take a sit.”
Even though Heart Testa has won over 1200m and 1300m in restricted company, Collet thinks that 1100m is the gelding’s best distance and feels the last fifty metres of the Razor Sharp could be the telling factor.
Heart Testa has won over 1100m on three occasions while Zaratone is regarded as an 1100m specialist with eleven victories over that distance and the extra fifty metres could prove advantageous for several of the run on horses like Safeguard, Aeronautical and Hidden Warrior.
“The last fifty metres can be a long way when you are going backwards,” Collett said.
“I guess after his win two starts ago I thought he was definitely an 1100m horse but now I’m not sure.”
“I know Chris wasn’t quick to jump to conclusions to say he is definitely an 1100m horse after that win.”
“When he was three he won 1200m and 1300m so it is an interesting test.”
Heart Testa was a heavily backed favourite when beaten by Zaratone following a narrow win over Queenslander Cape Kidnappers over 1100m at Rosehill the previous start.
But he gets his chance to reverse the placings with the 2kgs weight turn around and the advantage of the better barrier draw.
Bookmakers have installed Heart Testa the $3 favourite with Aeronautical the next in betting at $5 just in front of Safeguard at $6.50 and Zaratone at $7.50.
