Trainer Anthony Freedman has been forced to send Zydeco back to the paddock and a start in the Group 1 $2.65m BMW Caulfield Cup (2400m) at Caulfield on October 19 is now an unrealistic target.
Zydeco winning the Wakeful Stakes at Flemington, Photo by Race Horse Photos Australia.
Freedman had pencilled in the Caulfield Cup after Zydeco made her claim last Spring Carnival with some outstanding performances but the Flemington trainer will now have to rethink his Spring program.
“She’s had a few issues and we’re a bit behind time with her,” Freedman said.
“She had a short preparation and has had to go back out.
“I would think getting her to a Caulfield Cup is now unlikely as she will need a bit longer out, but I’ll play it by ear.”
Zydeco made racegoers sit up and take notice with a solid third to Commanding Jewel in the Group 1 $500,000 Schweppes Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield on October 17 then went on to take out the Group 2 $300,000 Wakeful Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on November 3.
The Zabeel filly was then sent out the $2.40 favourite for the Group 1 $1m Crown Oaks (2500m) at Flemington five days later, but after having a tough run finished second to the Clarry Connors trained Dear Demi.
Following the Oaks, it was discovered that Zydeco suffered some knee damaged, possibly from the incident at the 700m where she received some buffering resulting in several bone chips being removed and she hasn’t raced since.
Freedman is expecting a big Spring from undefeated two year old Cruden Bay following the colts return to the stables.
Cruden Bay impressed Freedman with his two wins in the Autumn and will set the youngster for the major three year olds races over the Spring Carnival.
Big race jockey Glen Boss was aboard Cruden Bay in his debut win at Bendigo and stuck with the colt in winning the Listed $120,000 Alternate Railway St Albans Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on March 15.
Freedman will nominate Cruden Bay for the Group 1 $1m BECK Caulfield Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield on October 12 but said that he would probably give him a sprinting campaign with the Group 1 $500,000 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on November 2 a likely target.
