Despite trainer John Sadler and owner Lloyd Williams parting ways, Zipping and his entourage are still heavily focused on winning the Sandown Classic for a third consecutive year.
Although the eight year old has not raced since finishing third to So You Think in the Cox Plate as he was scratched from the Mackinnon Stakes after becoming trapped under the barrier stalls, both his owner and new trainer Robert Hickmott are confident of the gelding?s chances in Saturday?s race.
Williams also has C?est La Guerre and Efficient entered in the event however it is Mick Price?s five year old mare Miss Maren which will be one of Zipping?s strongest competitors.
After Pompeii Ruler was pulled out of the spring carnival early on, Price was largely relying on Heart Of Dreams to carry the stables success.
Although the four year old gelding did manage to win the Group One Underwood Stakes, it was Price?s only elite win during the carnival.
Miss Maren won the Group Three Easter Cup (2000m) in April and then showed her true potential in the Mackinnon Stakes when she ran second to Scenic Shot however Price said it was her best run yet.
Over the past few months the New Zealand-bred mare as matured and significantly improved and after a good gallop on Saturday morning, it seems she is more than ready to tackle the Sandown Classic this Saturday.
Some of last week?s Melbourne Cup contenders are also scheduled to run in the race including Master O?Reilly (4th) Munsef (12th) and Gallions Reach (13th) as well as Mackinnon Stakes winner Scenic Shot.
