Zabisco lines up for metro double

Talented galloper Zabisco (pictured) headlines a busy weekend for Ballymore, that last start Flemington winner a leading contender in Saturday's Swettenham Stud Summer Championship Final at Caulfield.

Drawn nicely in barrier four with Brad Rawiller to take the ride, the son of Zabeel has pleased us with his progress since his win - "he has trained on extremely well," said Anthony Feroce.

"The rise in weight is a slight concern," he added - pointing out that Zabisco is "one of the smaller Zabeels."

Earlier in the day we saddle up Sagacious Flame in the opening event, the Toorak Toff at Rosemont Stud Handicap.

Stepping up in class on the back of an impressive maiden victory at Warrnambool a couple of weeks ago, the lightly raced filly is well regarded and we are looking forward to seeing how she measures up in metropolitan company.

"The 1400m will suit her," Feroce said, "and we want to give her a chance in city class to see where she fits in."

Crimson Lady, who lost her rider when resuming at Flemington, lines up in the final event, the BC Thoroughbreds Handicap.

"We could not be happier with her," Feroce enthused - "we just hopoe the jockey stays on this time!"

Unfortunately however Crimson Lady has drawn awkwardy in barrier 17 so "she will need a bit of luck."

As well as our Caulfield runners on Saturday, two of our team - Baqaat and Deep Forest - head to the Kyneton meeting, both due to line up in the 1850m Fillies & Mares Handicap.

Close up at her three local outings, the imported Baqaat has "a tricky draw" but a rise in distance and a drop in class aid her chances.

"She is fitter for her recent runs and is suited at the trip back to mares company," Feroce said.

Deep Forest, he said, would also be suited up in distance at her second run back - "she can show improvement."

Sunday is another day with three runners at the Sale and Terang meetings.

Little Hero resumes in the 1200m maiden at the former and the son of Fastnet Rock has improved.

"He has come back a stronger horse," said Feroce, "and he should run well."

Meanwhile Macpherson is third up in the 1400m maiden at Terang and she can improve with a gear change and a rise in distance.

"The 1400m should see her run a better race and we have put the blinkers on."

Lordoftheparrots got too far back from a wide gate at Flemington second up but his fresh run was good and he looks nicely placed over the 1850m of the Terang Cup.

"He can be competitive with the rise in distance and he has the blinkers back on," Feroce said.